SANTO DOMINGO — The Leones del Escogido wasted little time making noise in the 2026 LIDOM hot stove, announcing the signing of four experienced players on Tuesday as they look to reload for the upcoming winter season.
The club added catcher Michael De La Cruz, right-handed pitcher Radhamés Liz, infielder Marco Hernández, and infielder Iván Castillo through free agency. The moves signal an aggressive approach from the red-and-black squad as they aim to build a more balanced and battle-tested roster.
General Manager José Manuel Fernández expressed confidence in the new additions, stating that the group brings a mix of veteran leadership, proven production, and positional versatility that fits perfectly with the current makeup of the team.
“These are players who know what it takes to compete at this level,” Fernández said. “They have experience in LIDOM and in higher levels of professional baseball, and they will help us both on the field and in the clubhouse.”
Michael De La Cruz, a switch-hitting catcher with solid defensive skills and pop in his bat, adds depth and reliability behind the plate. Radhamés Liz, a veteran right-hander with significant LIDOM and international experience, strengthens the pitching staff with his ability to eat innings and miss bats.
On the infield side, Marco Hernández brings versatility and a steady glove, while Iván Castillo offers contact skills and the ability to play multiple positions. Both players have shown they can contribute immediately in the demanding winter-league environment.
These signings come as part of the Leones’ broader offseason strategy of blending experienced veterans with the young talent already in the system. The Escogido front office has been active early in the Agencia Libre period, signaling their intention to contend seriously in the 2026-27 campaign.
For Escogido fans, the additions represent a clear message: the Leones are not rebuilding — they are reloading. The new faces should help stabilize the lineup and rotation while providing leadership to a roster that has shown flashes of brilliance in recent seasons.
More roster moves are expected from the Leones in the coming weeks as the LIDOM hot stove continues to heat up across the Dominican Republic.