Spanish
SANTO DOMINGO - The Tigres del Licey have hired the services of Cuban Víctor Labrada as a reinforcement for the upcoming 2025-26 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League.
Labrada is a 25-year-old Cuban gardener, five feet eight inches tall and 195 pounds. According to MLB.com, he is considered the number 29 prospect in the Seattle Mariners organization.
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"We are hiring an impact player who can help energize our offense and versatility of our organization, as he can perform in different defensive positions, so he fits perfectly into the planning for this season," said VP of operations and general manager, Audo Vicente. The Havana native left Cuba in 2020 and went to the Dominican Republic where he signed as an international free agent with the Mariners for $350,000 in January 2021. After the coronavirus pandemic, he debuted as a professional with Class A Modesto at age 21. In the summer of 2025, the left-handed outfielder hit seven home runs, 24 doubles with 80 runs scored and 52 RBIs in 128 games between Double-A and Triple-A. He also stole 44 bases and recorded a batting average of .281 with a .403 on-base percentage. Labrada's main strength has always been his great speed. He has stolen at least 30 bases in four of his five seasons with the Mariners, with a maximum of 49 in 2024. Labrada's speed has always been an advantage in the outfield. He has played all three positions, spending more time in the corners in the last two years. The Cuban reinforcement has shown a sweet and compact swing from the left side of the plate and considerably reduced his swings and misses in 2025. The 25-year-old player struck out in only 16.9% of his appearances and, in addition, received walks in 14.9% of them, thus finding a good balance between these events. For Labrada, it would be his second winter experience after batting .306 with 11 extra-base hits, 12 RBIs, and 13 steals in 2024-25 with the Algodoneros de Guasave and the Sultanes de Monterrey in the Mexican Pacific League. The reinforcement of the 24-time national champions will be available from the first day of the tournament. Los Tigres del Licey begin their home season next Wednesday, October 15, when they receive the visit of Los Leones del Escogido starting at 7:30 pm.
