The Caribbean Series | MLB
The Winter Leagues of 2025-2026 took place from November to January across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela. Each nation held playoffs to decide their league champions, who then progressed to the Caribbean Series.
Originally set to be hosted by Venezuela, the series was shifted to Mexico due to concerns over political issues and player safety. Consequently, Venezuela withdrew its team, leaving Mexico with two representatives in the tournament.
The Teams
Leones del Escogido, champions from the Dominican Republic, featured several former Padres players. Notable figures included catcher Martin Maldonado, outfielder Franchy Cordero, and infielder Eguy Rosario, though only Cordero participated in the series. RHP Francis Pena, a promising Padres prospect invited to major league camp, closed the championship game for Escogido, managed by Albert Pujols.
Puerto Rico’s Canorejeros de Santurce clinched their league title by three games but faced offensive challenges in the series, ultimately finishing third after elimination in the semi-finals.
Representing Panama, Federales de Chiriqui had former Padre Christian Bethancourt as their catcher, finishing last with a winless record of 0-4 in the tournament. Mexico was represented by two teams: Charros de Jalisco and Tomateros de Culiacan. Charros claimed the league title, while Tomateros filled in for Venezuela. Notably, Padres prospect Tirso Ornelas and his brother Julian both played for Charros.
The Series
The Caribbean Series operates as a round-robin tournament, with the top teams advancing to playoffs featuring both Mexican squads alongside representatives from the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico. Escogido, the defending champions and favorites, started strong with a 3-0 record but lost two consecutive games, including the semi-final against Mexico Green.
The championship, lasting over four hours and extending into 10 innings, concluded with Mexico Red winning via two wild pitches in the bottom of the 10th. Held at a high altitude of over 5,000 feet in Jalisco, the series showcased plenty of offensive action and high scores. The final score was 12-11, characterized by fatigued pitchers struggling with control.
Many players from the tournament are expected to participate in the WBC, along with several summer leagues, as it is common for these athletes to engage in year-round play.
