Santo Domingo – Los Leones del Escogido, current national two-time champions, have announced important additions to strengthen their roster for the upcoming season. The Baseball Operations management of the scarlet team confirmed the signing of several players as free agents, including catcher Michael De la Cruz, right-handed pitcher Radhamés Liz, and infielders Marco Hernández and Iván Castillo.
Michael De la Cruz: A Key Reinforcement
Michael De la Cruz, 32 years old, was instrumental in obtaining the team’s 18th championship during the 2025-26 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League. His performance in the Round Robin was particularly outstanding, batting .368 with an on-base percentage of .480, seven RBIs, and an OPS of .901 in 16 games. In the Final Series against the Toros del Este, De la Cruz also played a crucial role, including a decisive performance in the fourth game played in La Romana, where he drove in a key run and scored the run that defined the scarlet victory.His execution behind the plate and his ability to bring out the best in our pitchers were decisive. In addition, he contributed important production with the bat. We trust that he will have that impact on the team again.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of the club
Radhamés Liz: Experience and Leadership in the Montículo
Radhamés Liz, 42 years old, opened games in the postseason last year with the Leones, maintaining an ERA of 3.37 in 13.1 innings and recording nine strikeouts. Throughout his career in Dominican baseball, Liz has an ERA of 2.60, with a WHIP of 1.12 and 359 strikeouts in 395 innings. Radhamés is a pitcher with extensive experience and a proven track record in this league. His performance in the Round Robin was key and we trust that his leadership will once again be an important factor.Marco Hernández: Versatility in the Infield
Marco Hernández, 33 years old, brings versatility by being able to play both at third base and second base. In the past regular season with the Gigantes del Cibao, Hernández batted .292, driving in 11 runs and scoring 15 in 32 games.Marco gives us experience and solidity in the infield. He is a player who understands the game and can contribute both offensively and defensively.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of the club
Iván Castillo: Depth and Energy to the Roster
Iván Castillo, 30 years old, returns to the scarlet organization after having played with the team between the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. In eight seasons in the Dominican league, Castillo has a .256 average in 182 games, with 55 RBIs, 71 runs scored, 22 doubles, two home runs and 27 stolen bases.These new signings grant the Escogido the reserve rights to these players for two seasons, with the 2027-28 campaign as the team’s option, as established in the free agency agreement between the league and the National Federation of Professional Baseball Players.Iván gives us depth and energy. His ability to contribute in different areas of the game makes him a valuable piece for our roster.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of the club
