Santo Domingo – Los Leones del Escogido have announced the arrival of the talented utility player Vidal Bruján, a player who will bring versatility and speed to the team. Bruján, with experience in the Major Leagues, is known for his ability to run the bases, which makes him a valuable addition for the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). To ensure the incorporation of Bruján, the scarlet team made a trade with the Estrellas Orientales, sending outfielder Jerar Encarnación to the eastern team. Encarnación had been previously acquired from the Águilas Cibaeñas in a negotiation that involved Jasson Domínguez, Wilkin Ramos and a selection from the 2026 Rookie Draft.
We are very grateful for the professionalism of Domínguez and Ramos during their time with the team. At the same time, we are excited to add Bruján, a dynamic and versatile player who can influence the game in multiple ways at important moments.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of EscogidoVidal Bruján, 28 years old and a switch hitter, has proven his worth in the Dominican league for seven seasons, playing for the Toros del Este and the Estrellas. In 162 regular season games, Bruján has maintained an on-base percentage of .345, with 60 stolen bases, 20 doubles, 78 runs scored, and 54 RBIs. The player has led the league in stolen bases twice: in the 2020-21 season with 11 steals and in the 2023-24 campaign with 24, where he also achieved a notable on-base percentage of .400. In the LIDOM postseason, Bruján has a batting average of .261 in 44 games, with 18 runs scored, six doubles, nine stolen bases, and an OBP of .341. At the Major League level, the native of San Pedro de Macorís has participated in 261 games with teams like the Tampa Bay Rays, Miami Marlins, Chicago Cubs, Baltimore Orioles, and Atlanta Braves. Currently, Bruján is with the New York Mets, seeking to secure a spot on the roster for the Major League season.
