Leones del Escogido Secure José Espada for the 2025-26 Season
The Baseball Operations management of the Leones del Escogido, current national and Caribbean champions, announced the hiring of right-handed pitcher José Espada as a reinforcement for the 2025-26 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). Espada, 28 years old, joins the team after his participation in the Major Leagues with the Baltimore Orioles during the summer. In his time in MLB, he pitched 3.0 innings, allowing 1 hit, no runs, and striking out 4 batters. The pitcher displays a varied repertoire, including a fastball that reaches 94 miles per hour, a curveball at 84 miles, and a changeup at 89 miles. His performance in the AA and AAA affiliates of the San Diego Padres and the Orioles (AA) was notable, recording a 5-3 record, a 4.17 ERA, a 1.18 WHIP, and 83 strikeouts in 54.0 innings.Espada’s career includes experience in Japan, where he played with the Yakult Swallows, combining an effectiveness of 3.33 and 43 strikeouts in 46 innings between the Eastern League and the Central League. In his native country, Puerto Rico, he has played with the Gigantes de Carolina in the Roberto Clemente League. In the 2024-25 tournament, he stood out with an effectiveness of 0.63, a WHIP of 0.62, 21 strikeouts in 14.1 innings, 5 saves and a batting average allowed of .160. With the incorporation of Espada, the list of reinforcements announced by the Leones del Escogido rises to 7 players. This list includes the starting pitchers Grant Gavin, Darío Agrazal and Norge Ruiz, the relievers Indigo Díaz and Darien Núñez, and the infielder Jonathan Araúz.Espada will be a key piece in our bullpen. His experience and composure on the mound allow him to dominate in high-pressure situations, providing the confidence and stability that every team needs in big moments.
Carlos Peña, General Manager of the melenudos
