Leones del Escogido bolster their pitching with the return of Derek West and the arrival of Kelly Austin
The Baseball Operations management of the Leones del Escogido has made official the signing of pitchers Derek West and Kelly Austin, who will join the scarlet team for the 2026-27 LIDOM autumn-winter season, scheduled to begin on October 16th.
With these moves, the two-time national champions seek to consolidate their pitching staff, betting on previous experience in the local circuit and the projection of new international talents.
Derek West: A proven arm for the Scarlets
Derek West, 29, returns to the organization after an outstanding performance at the end of the last Round Robin and the Final Series. During his first stint in the league, West demonstrated his effectiveness by working 5.2 scoreless innings, recording a 1-0 record and a 0.71 WHIP.
His recent trajectory includes a solid participation in the Puerto Rican winter baseball league with the Indios de Mayagüez and an outstanding performance in the Mexican summer league. Likewise, he represented the Netherlands in the past 2026 World Baseball Classic, where he maintained his dominance from the mound.
We are very happy to have West back with us. Last season he proved that he can be an impact arm in our league. He already knows our organization, our clubhouse, and what it means to wear this jersey. His return strengthens our pitching staff.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of the Leones del Escogido
Kelly Austin brings depth and versatility
For his part, 25-year-old Kelly Austin joins the Leones after a successful campaign in the New York Yankees’ Double-A category. With the Somerset Patriots team, the pitcher achieved a 5-3 record and a 3.61 ERA, limiting opposing batters to a .195 average during the year 2026.
Regarding his incorporation, the management highlighted the player’s profile:
- Lifetime effectiveness of 3.05 in the minor leagues.
- Ability to handle high-pressure situations.
- Versatility to adapt to different roles within the pitching staff.
Carlos Peña, general manager, emphasized that the main objective is to build a pitching staff that is deep and capable of meeting the demands of the Dominican winter season.
Currently, the 18-time national champions continue their intensive preparation, conducting their morning training sessions at the New York Yankees academy facilities, fine-tuning the final details in the pursuit of a new crown.
