The Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC) is having a historic season. The return of several Major League stars has made every game worth watching.
For many of these players, the winter league represents a unique opportunity to stay in shape during the MLB offseason, reconnect with their roots, and give something back to the game that shaped them.
For those who are free agents, it is also a showcase for their talent in front of scouts and interested teams.
Here are some of the players who during the 2024-2025 season left their mark on Puerto Rican baseball and made our winter league shine. 🇵🇷⚾
Eddie Rosario, Indios de Mayagüez
Outfielder
In 2010, Rosario signed with the Minnesota Twins. Although he has always been on the Indios de Mayagüez roster as a reserve, he had not played in the winter league since the 2016-17 season. Rosario is currently a free agent.
Recent highlights:
In 2021, he was NLCS MVP with the Atlanta Braves, batting .560 with three home runs.
In 2024, he hit 10 home runs and drove in 35 runs in 91 games.
Martín "Machete" Maldonado, Indios de Mayagüez
Catcher
Machete, who was also on the Indios de Mayagüez reserve list, returned to play in the LBPRC this season after a seven-year absence. Machete spent many years with the Astros; last year he was with the White Sox and is currently a free agent.
Recent highlights:
In 2022, he helped the Astros win the World Series with his leadership and defensive skills.
In 2024, he played 80 games with the White Sox.
Emmanuel "El Pulpo" Rivera, Indios de Mayagüez
3B
Emmanuel Rivera just signed a one-year contract with the Orioles in the majors. A team captain and Mayagüez native, he has always played in the winter league.
Recent highlights:
In 2024, he had a two-home-run game with 11 total bases, a personal best.
In 2023, he represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic.
Nelson Velázquez, Criollos de Caguas
Left Field
Velázquez, who belongs to the Kansas City Royals, became the first player to hit three home runs in a semifinal game in the LBPRC, capping a historic season.
Recent highlights:
In 2024, he hit eight home runs and drove in 27 runs in 64 games.
In 2023, he had a two-home-run game with five RBIs.
José De León, Criollos de Caguas
Pitcher
He signed in 2013 with the Dodgers. De León is currently a free agent; last year he played with the Minnesota Twins.
Recent highlights:
In 2023, he posted a 4.67 ERA in 12 games with the Twins.
In 2016, he debuted with the Dodgers with nine strikeouts in his first game.
Henry Ramos, Cangrejeros de Santurce
Outfield
Henry Ramos, brother of Heliot Ramos, was drafted in 2010 by the Red Sox. He is currently a free agent.
Recent highlights:
In 2023, he played in the KBO with the KT Wiz, batting .200 with three home runs.
In 2021, he made his MLB debut with the Arizona Diamondbacks.
Fernando Cruz, Cangrejeros de Santurce
Pitcher
Fernando Cruz just signed a contract with the New York Yankees after a season with the Cincinnati Reds. He joined the Cangrejeros de Santurce at the start of the postseason.
Recent highlights:
In 2024, he posted a 2.89 ERA in 52 appearances with the Mets and the Cubs.
In 2022, he was an American League All-Star.
Jorge López, Indios de Mayagüez
Pitcher
López just signed a one-year contract with the Washington Nationals after playing with the Mets and the Cubs last year. The last time López played in the winter league was in the 2019-20 season.
Recent highlights:
In 2024, he posted a 2.89 ERA in 52 games.
In 2022, he was an American League All-Star.
While these are the most talked-about names from the majors right now, there are other players with strong potential on Minor League, Triple-A and Mexican league contracts, among them Vimael Machín, Onix Vega, Miguel Pabón and Isan Díaz.
This content was translated with the assistance of Artificial Intelligence (AI).
