Spanish
Santo Domingo. – The national two-time champions, the Leones del Escogido, announced the signing as free agents of catcher Michael De la Cruz, right-handed pitcher Radhamés Liz, and infielders Marco Hernández and Iván Castillo, according to the management of Baseball Operations of the scarlet team.
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De la Cruz, 32 years old, was a key piece in the team's conquest of the 18th championship during the 2025-26 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League. The catcher especially stood out in the Round Robin, where he batted .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, he also made important contributions, including a decisive performance in the fourth game played in La Romana, where he drove in a key run and scored the one that defined the scarlet victory. The club's general manager, Carlos Peña, valued the catcher's impact on the team's success. "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," he said. For his part, Liz, 42, opened games in the postseason last year with the Lions, recording an ERA of 3.37 in 13.1 innings and nine strikeouts. Throughout his career in Dominican baseball, he has accumulated 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 are confident that his leadership will once again be an important factor," Peña expressed. Meanwhile, 33-year-old Hernández brings versatility by being able to play at third base and second base. The infielder batted .292 in the last regular season with the Gigantes del Cibao, 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," added the executive. Castillo, 30 years old, returns to the scarlet organization after wearing the team's uniform between the 2018-19 and 2021-22 seasons. In eight seasons in the Dominican league, he has a .256 average in 182 games, with 55 RBIs, 71 runs scored, 22 doubles, two home runs and 27 stolen bases. "Iván gives us depth and energy. His ability to contribute in different areas of the game makes him a valuable piece for our roster," added Peña. The Lions remain active during the offseason, reinforcing their roster with a view to defending the title. In addition to these signings, the club acquired utility player Vidal Bruján via trade and retained several of their free agents, including Erik González, Sócrates Brito, Franchy Cordero, José Marmolejos, Alex Colomé, Héctor Neris, and Jimmy Paredes. The new hires 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.
