José Leger Durán Joins the Chicago White Sox
Dominican baseball continues to reap success in the Major Leagues. José Joaquín Leger Durán, current manager of the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League, has been hired as the first base coach of the Chicago White Sox.
The news was confirmed by the strategist himself this Monday, marking a new milestone in his professional career.
The Francomacorisana organization, the Gigantes del Cibao, celebrated this appointment through their social media, highlighting the pride it represents for the team.
Leger becomes the second Dominican named first base coach this offseason, following in the footsteps of Gilbert Gómez, who assumed the same role with the New York Mets.
Dominicans stand out in MLB technical bodies
The appointment of Leger adds to a growing list of Dominican technicians who have had an active presence in MLB. In the 2025 season, several Dominicans were part of different staffs:
- Manny Acta (bench coach, Mariners)
- Luis Rojas (third base coach, Yankees)
- Rodney Linares (third base coach, Rays)
- Carlos Febles (third base coach, Blue Jays)
- José Javier (first base coach, Cubs)
- Julio Borbón (first base coach, Brewers)
- Pedro Guerrero (hitting coach, Marlins)
José Leger’s Career
Born in Santo Domingo and 43 years old, Leger had a distinguished college career at Georgia College and State University.
Subsequently, he signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Twins, participating in the minor leagues in 2005 and 2006 as a catcher and third baseman.
His foray into player development began in 2009 as a batting coach in the Dominican Summer League. In 2010, he managed in the DSL with the Mets, and continued his rise through rookie and Class A teams between 2012 and 2017.
Between 2021 and 2024, he managed in AA within the Texas Rangers system. In the Dominican League, in addition to the Gigantes del Cibao, he has managed for Escogido and Águilas Cibaeñas, as well as serving as a coach with Estrellas Orientales and Tigres del Licey.
Gigantes del Cibao on the Rise
Under Leger’s direction, the Gigantes del Cibao have shown a remarkable performance in recent weeks. The team arrives at the day with a record of 11-13, driven by a streak of three consecutive victories and five wins in their last ten matches, which positions them in the classification zone for the Round Robin.
