For baseball fans who have been watching the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) over the past month, they’ve seen some familiar names — and potential future MLB stars — putting on a show.
For now, let’s take a look at seven players with MLB connections who have gotten off to a hot start this winter. This list includes both hitters and pitchers who are either prospects or big leaguers — whether they’re on an active roster or a free agent after appearing in the Majors in 2022.
Ronny Mauricio, Tigres del Licey (Mets)
Mauricio, the Mets’ No. 6 prospect according to MLB Pipeline, has been one of the most consistent hitters in the Dominican League this winter. The 21-year-old shortstop is hitting .296 with 22 extra-base hits (including five homers) and a league-leading 31 RBIs in 44 games. He also leads all players in hits (53), doubles (15) and he’s second in stolen bases (11).
Mauricio has reached base safely in 38 of his 44 games. He’s turned in 14 multi-hit efforts, including five three-hit games.
Jerar Encarnacion, Aguilas Cibaeñas (Marlins)
Marlins outfielder Encarnacion has put his all-around skill set on full display for Aguilas Cibaeñas. Although the highly touted prospect hit only .183 in 23 games for Miami after making his MLB debut on June 19, Encarnacion showed some flashes at times. He’s been far more consistent this winter, slashing .333/.435/.520 (.955 OPS) with three home runs and 17 RBIs in 22 games.
The most encouraging sign, perhaps, has been Encarnacion’s plate discipline. After racking up 32 strikeouts and only three walks for the Marlins in 2022, he has nearly as many walks (15) as strikeouts (21) in the Dominican League.
Encarnacion entered Tuesday night with four consecutive multi-hit games, during which he was 8-for-13 with two homers, two doubles, three walks and five RBIs.
Jose Siri, Gigantes del Cibao (Rays)
Siri, who was acquired by the Rays as part of the August three-team deal that also sent O’s star Trey Mancini to the Astros, has made a habit of getting on base for Gigantes del Cibao. The 25-year-old outfielder has at least one hit in 20 of the 21 games in which he’s logged a plate appearance — and he worked two walks and scored a pair of runs in the lone exception.
Overall, Siri is hitting .315 (23-for-73) with nine extra-base hits, including a pair of homers, and nine stolen bases this winter.
Yairo Muñoz, Aguilas Cibaeñas (Free agent)
After providing some much-needed depth for the National League champion Phillies in 2022, Muñoz — now a free agent — has been opening eyes in the Dominican. The 27-year-old utility player is hitting .319 (30-for-94) with eight stolen bases in 26 games for Aguilas Cibaeñas. Muñoz, who has appeared at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots during his MLB career, has primarily played second and third this winter.
Ronel Blanco, Estrellas Orientales (Astros)
Blanco, who made his MLB debut for the Astros in 2022, has been nearly untouchable out of the bullpen for Estrellas Orientales. The 29-year-old righty has not allowed an earned run over 19 2/3 innings, all while going 4-0 with five saves and 25 strikeouts.
Roenis Elias, Aguilas Cibaeñas (Free agent)
Elias, who is a free agent after spending much of the 2022 campaign in the Mariners organization, is 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA over six starts for Aguilas Cibaeñas. The 34-year-old lefty has 33 strikeouts in 33 innings.
Elias has a 3.96 career ERA over parts of seven big league seasons between the Mariners, Red Sox and Nationals.
Elvis Peguero, Leones del Escogido (Brewers)
Acquired by the Brewers in the trade that sent Hunter Renfroe to the Angels in November, Peguero has shown his upside this winter. Although the 25-year-old righty had a 6.75 ERA in 13 big league appearances for the Halos in 2022, he also had a 2.84 ERA over 38 appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake — and he’s put up even better numbers for Leones del Escogido.
Peguero has posted a 2.16 ERA and notched three saves over 17 appearances. He’s also compiled 23 strikeouts in just 16 2/3 innings this winter.
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