7 players tearing up LIDOM

For baseball followers who’ve been watching the Dominican Winter League (LIDOM) over the previous month, they’ve seen some acquainted names — and potential future MLB stars — placing on a present.

For now, let’s check out seven gamers with MLB connections who’ve gotten off to a sizzling begin this winter. This listing consists of each hitters and pitchers who’re both prospects or massive leaguers — whether or not they’re on an energetic roster or a free agent after showing within the Majors in 2022.

Mauricio, the Mets’ No. 6 prospect in accordance with MLB Pipeline, has been some of the constant hitters within the Dominican League this winter. The 21-year-old shortstop is hitting .296 with 22 extra-base hits (together with 5 homers) and a league-leading 31 RBIs in 44 video games. He additionally leads all gamers in hits (53), doubles (15) and he is second in stolen bases (11).

Mauricio has reached base safely in 38 of his 44 video games. He’s turned in 14 multi-hit efforts, together with 5 three-hit video games.

Marlins outfielder Encarnacion has put his all-around talent set on full show for Aguilas Cibaeñas. Though the extremely touted prospect hit solely .183 in 23 video games for Miami after making his MLB debut on June 19, Encarnacion confirmed some flashes at instances. He’s been way more constant this winter, slashing .333/.435/.520 (.955 OPS) with three house runs and 17 RBIs in 22 video games.

The most encouraging signal, maybe, has been Encarnacion’s plate self-discipline. After racking up 32 strikeouts and solely three walks for the Marlins in 2022, he has practically as many walks (15) as strikeouts (21) within the Dominican League.

Encarnacion entered Tuesday evening with 4 consecutive multi-hit video games, throughout which he was 8-for-13 with two homers, two doubles, three walks and 5 RBIs.

Siri, who was acquired by the Rays as a part of the August three-team deal that additionally despatched O’s star Trey Mancini to the Astros, has made a behavior of getting on base for Gigantes del Cibao. The 25-year-old outfielder has at the least one hit in 20 of the 21 video games through which he is logged a plate look — and he labored two walks and scored a pair of runs within the lone exception.

Overall, Siri is hitting .315 (23-for-73) with 9 extra-base hits, together with a pair of homers, and 9 stolen bases this winter.

After offering some much-needed depth for the National League champion Phillies in 2022, Muñoz — now a free agent — has been opening eyes within the Dominican. The 27-year-old utility participant is hitting .319 (30-for-94) with eight stolen bases in 26 video games for Aguilas Cibaeñas. Muñoz, who has appeared at second base, third base, shortstop and all three outfield spots throughout his MLB profession, has primarily performed second and third this winter.

Blanco, who made his MLB debut for the Astros in 2022, has been practically 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 whereas going 4-0 with 5 saves and 25 strikeouts.

Elias, who’s a free agent after spending a lot of the 2022 marketing campaign within the Mariners group, is 3-0 with a 1.09 ERA over six begins for Aguilas Cibaeñas. The 34-year-old lefty has 33 strikeouts in 33 innings.

Elias has a 3.96 profession ERA over elements of seven massive league seasons between the Mariners, Red Sox and Nationals.

Acquired by the Brewers within the commerce that despatched Hunter Renfroe to the Angels in November, Peguero has proven his upside this winter. Though the 25-year-old righty had a 6.75 ERA in 13 massive league appearances for the Halos in 2022, he additionally had a 2.84 ERA over 38 appearances for Triple-A Salt Lake — and he is put up even higher numbers for Leones del Escogido.

Peguero has posted a 2.16 ERA and notched three saves over 17 appearances. He’s additionally compiled 23 strikeouts in simply 16 2/3 innings this winter.