LIDOM Opens 2026-27 Season With Tripleheader, ABS Debut
LIDOM opens its 2026-27 season with a regional tripleheader, the debut of the ABS robot umpire system and top prospect Jesús Madé at shortstop for the Tigres.
Editor's note, Nov. 7, 2026: An earlier version of this article appeared in Spanish. It has been rewritten in English.
The Dominican winter league opens its 2026-27 season with its traditional regional tripleheader and a new arrival behind the plate: the ABS robot umpire system.
The Águilas visit the Gigantes at 7:00 p.m., the Tigres face the Leones at 7:15 and the Estrellas play the Toros at 7:30, starting the 73rd edition of the tournament.
This first stage is the one for prospects expected to pass through only briefly. It also promises established players who may need at-bats and innings with a possible Major League strike on the horizon, and veterans looking for a showcase that could take them to Asia or Mexico in 2027.
The season changes shape in December, with playoff qualification and re-entry draws, and again in January, with the round robin and the final series.
ABS, Bauer and the last of the old guard
Pitcher Trevor Bauer has been announced for the Estrellas. Emilio Bonifacio and César Valdez, two of the league's defining figures of the past decade, may be near the end of their runs.
Águilas and Gigantes
The Águilas have added infield versatility with Adalberto Mondesí, who is back after eight years and has recovered from an injury. Cristopher Morel of the Mets brings five years of big-league experience behind the plate, Jasson Domínguez of the Yankees arrives from Escogido, and Luis Liberato adds outfield defense.
The Gigantes have Emil Morales, a 20-year-old Dodgers prospect who led all of the minor leagues in 2026 with 119 RBIs, hitting .295 with a .928 OPS and 26 home runs. Marcell Ozuna, who has 304 career MLB home runs, had not played in the league since 2023-24. Ronel Blanco of the Astros is trying to rebuild his arm after Tommy John surgery in 2025.
Madé's debut in the capital
Jesús Madé, a 19-year-old Brewers shortstop rated the top prospect in baseball, is due to make his debut for the Tigres on opening night. Signed for $950,000 in 2024, he hit .271 with 14 home runs and 91 RBIs in 122 games at Double-A.
Luis Gil of the Yankees will look to hold his value in the Tigres bullpen. Switch-hitter Andretty Cordero arrives from the Águilas, and Maikel Franco gives the lineup power and infield depth as designated hitter.
The two-time champion Leones will play Vidal Bruján in center field. He played 63 games in all for the Estrellas across 2024 and 2025. Catcher Michael de la Cruz and veteran pitcher Radhamés Liz, both former Licey players, also join.
Toros and Estrellas
The Toros have outfielder Jesús Sánchez of the Blue Jays and Arizona, who played 105 MLB games this year. Felnin Celestén of the Mariners, the No. 50 prospect in the minors, returns at shortstop after hitting 16 home runs with 64 RBIs in 111 minor-league games.
The Estrellas' headline addition is Cuban César Prieto, who has played for the Leones and Águilas and hit .271 in 54 games over the past three years. Yerar Encarnación of the Águilas and Sandber Pimentel of the Toros are both hoping to revive their careers in the league.
