LA ROMANA. — The Toros del Este have bolstered their roster by signing free-agent pitchers Phillips Valdez and Julián Fernández, infielder Dawell Lugo, and catchers Pedro Severino and Julio E. Rodríguez.
The announcement was made by Jesús Mejía, the club’s general manager, who stated that the Toros had managed to “acquire a solid group of players, strengthening the catching position, pitching staff, and infield.” The executive added that “in addition, these are men with championship and postseason experience, who we believe will contribute significantly to our current structure, both on the field and in the clubhouse.”
Phillips Valdez has been one of the main pitchers for Escogido over the past two seasons, appearing in 25 games in the scarlet uniform and logging 71 innings with 70 hits allowed, only 15 walks, and 48 strikeouts. Last season, he posted a 3-0 record with a 3.68 ERA in 16 games as a reliever.
Julián Fernández, son of former Toros catcher Tony Eusebio, has pitched in five seasons, the last three with the Estrellas Orientales. He holds a career record of 7-3 with a 3.88 ERA and 45 strikeouts in 53.1 innings. Fernández made his Major League debut in 2021 with the Colorado Rockies and pitched in the majors in 2025 with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Washington Nationals.
Infielder Dawell Lugo, winner of the Gold Glove in the 2021-22 season, is a hitter who has batted a career .266 with the Licey, recording 25 doubles, 4 home runs, and 59 RBIs in 175 games. He was a key part of multiple championships for the blue team.
After four campaigns with the Águilas, Pedro Severino has played uninterrupted over the last four seasons with Escogido, playing an important role in the last two titles. In the Major Leagues, he has worn the uniforms of the Nationals, Orioles, and Brewers.
Wearing the scarlet uniform, the Major League veteran batted .245 with 12 doubles, 3 home runs, and 50 RBIs in 111 games. During that time, the native of Bonao hit .273 with runners in scoring position.
Severino comes off winning the Gold Glove in the most recent season. He also led all catchers by throwing out 13 runners attempting to steal (a 25% success rate).
Julio E. Rodríguez will add depth at the catcher position. Over the last four seasons, he has thrown out 30% of runners attempting to steal—the second-best percentage in that span among catchers with at least 40 games behind the plate.
Previously, the Toros had announced the retention of outfielder Jesus Sanchez and pitchers Yaramil Hiraldo, Gerson Moreno, José Adames, Miguel Castro, Felix Peña, and Pedro Fernandez, preventing them from entering free agency.