Leones del Escogido reinforce their pitching staff for the 2026-27 season
With the goal of strengthening their pitching staff, the Leones del Escogido have officially announced the signing of pitchers Jackson Rees and Reid VanScoter. Both hurlers will join the scarlet team for the upcoming season of the Dominican Professional Baseball League (LIDOM).
Jackson Rees: Experience and mastery from the mound
Rees, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, joins the organization following an outstanding performance with the Tecolotes de los Dos Laredos in Mexican baseball. During his time in Aztec lands, the Californian worked 24.0 innings, posting a 2.63 ERA and a 1.29 WHIP. Furthermore, he demonstrated his ability to close out games by recording four saves and striking out 26 opponents, limiting the opposition to a .205 batting average.
Jackson brings us a quality arm and a presence that can be important for our pitching. We like his repertoire, his ability to attack hitters and, above all, his competitive profile.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of the Escogido
Reid VanScoter: Left-handed talent with great projection
For his part, 27-year-old left-hander Reid VanScoter joins the team after showing consistency in the Seattle Mariners’ minor league system. During his time with the Double-A affiliate (Arkansas Travelers), the pitcher accumulated 42 strikeouts in 33.0 innings, maintaining a 2.73 ERA and a 2-2 record. Likewise, he had a relevant stint in Triple-A, where he added 18 strikeouts in 18.2 innings of work.
Regarding this addition, general manager Carlos Peña highlighted the pitcher’s versatility: “Reid is an arm we are very excited to incorporate. We believe he has the tools to adapt quickly to our league and become an important piece of our team.”
Preparations for the winter season
With these moves, the Leones del Escogido add four confirmed reinforcements for the 2026-27 season, joining pitchers Lael Lockhart and Brett de Geus, previously announced by management.
- Start of practice: Friday, September 25 at the New York Yankees academy, Boca Chica.
- LIDOM start date: October 16.
The scarlet franchise, holder of 18 national crowns, seeks to consolidate a competitive team from the first day of training to face the challenge of Dominican winter baseball.
