SANTO DOMINGO. The Leones del Escogido, current national and Caribbean champions, have announced the addition of right-handed relief pitchers Efraín Contreras and Derek West. Carlos Peña, the team’s general manager, confirmed that both players will immediately join the active roster of the scarlet team.
Efraín Contreras: Reinforcement from Mexico
Efraín Contreras, a 26-year-old Mexican pitcher, arrives after his participation in the Mexican Pacific League with the Yaquis de Obregón. There, he recorded a 2-1 record, an ERA of 2.40, a WHIP of 1.00 and achieved 35 strikeouts in 30 innings, leading the league with 15 saves. His professional experience includes his time in the Minor Leagues of the San Diego Padres and the Philadelphia Phillies between 2018 and 2024. In addition, he was part of the champion teams of the Diablos Rojos del México in the Mexican Baseball League during the 2024 and 2025 seasons.“Contreras brings youth, energy, and projection to our organization. We trust in his talent and his willingness to seize this opportunity and contribute to the team at this key moment in the championship,” said Peña.
Carlos Peña, General ManagerDerek West: Experience from Puerto Rico
Derek West, a 28-year-old American pitcher, joins the team from the Indios de Mayagüez of the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League of Puerto Rico, where he had a 1-1 record, an ERA of 2.19, a WHIP of 0.97 and 32 strikeouts in 24.1 innings. West also has experience in the Houston Astros Minor Leagues, from 2019 to 2023, and has pitched in the Mexican summer league since 2024. In Puerto Rico, he participated with the Cangrejeros de Santurce in the 2022-23 season, achieving an ERA of 1.02, 21 strikeouts in 17.2 innings, and a WHIP of 0.73. Furthermore, in the 2024-25 campaign, he played with the Navegantes del Magallanes in Venezuela. “West strengthens our pitching staff at this decisive stage. He is an arm with the ability to compete immediately, provide depth, and take on important responsibilities in high-pressure games,” added the capital manager. Contreras and West will take the places left by Patrick Weigel and Patrick Halligan. Weigel will be absent due to the birth of his son in the United States, while Halligan signed a contract with the Boston Red Sox. The Lions (10-4) will seek this Tuesday to secure their spot in the final of the 2025-26 LIDOM championship when they face the Gigantes del Cibao at 7:00 p.m. at the Julián Javier stadium in San Francisco de Macorís.
