Leones del Escogido intensify their preparation with important additions
The Leones del Escogido have taken a firm step on their path toward the 2026-27 season of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). The scarlet team, which seeks to defend its status as two-time national champion, added key pieces this Monday to its training sessions held at the New York Yankees academy in Boca Chica.
Weighty returns and young talent
The day was marked by the arrival of outfielders Junior Lake and Franchy Cordero, along with infielder Jonathan Guzmán. These three players, who were fundamental in the team’s recent titles, join after having won the championship in the Mexican Baseball League with the Toros de Tijuana.
The experience of Lake, Cordero, and Guzmán provides the necessary depth for the Leones to maintain their competitiveness in pursuit of a new crown in Dominican winter baseball.
Alofoke Deportes
Rainiel Rodríguez, the big news
One of the names generating the most anticipation is catcher Rainiel Rodríguez, ranked as the St. Louis Cardinals’ number one prospect and positioned among the top ten talents in all of Major League Baseball. Rodríguez is coming off an outstanding campaign with a .324 batting average, 27 home runs, and 87 RBIs, demonstrating his offensive capability between High-A and Double-A.
Strengthening the pitching and new faces
The pitching staff also received a significant boost with the arrival of Iván Armstrong, who stood out in Mexico with a 2.01 ERA, and Jordarlin Mendoza, a Yankees prospect selected in the latest LIDOM Draft. Joining them is young outfielder Stiven Martínez, a Baltimore Orioles talent, along with pitchers Robinson Martínez, Alex Martínez, Reid VanScoter, and Kelly Austin.
Preseason schedule
The team will continue with its work plan this Tuesday starting at 9:00 in the morning. Subsequently, the Leones will travel to the Tetelo Vargas stadium to face the Estrellas Orientales in an exhibition game scheduled for 11:00 in the morning, as part of their final preparation for the start of the tournament.
