Leones del Escogido arrive in Jalisco today seeking to repeat as champions in the 68th Caribbean Series. The five-team tournament kicks off February 1 through 7 in Zapopan, Mexico. What makes this year different: Venezuela pulled out over political concerns, creating an all-new format nobody expected.
🔥 Quick Facts
- Location: Estadio Panamericano de Béisbol in Zapopan, Jalisco
- Championship Format: Five-day round-robin, two semifinals February 6, final February 7 at 8 p.m. ET
- Defending Champions: Leones del Escogido (Dominican Republic) seeking back-to-back titles
- Tournament Heritage: Since 1949, Caribbean Series crowns regional winter league champions
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The Leones del Escogido won last year’s championship with a dramatic 1-0 shutout over the Charros de Jalisco in Mexicali, managed by Hall of Famer Albert Pujols. Now they return to the same host nation hunting a second consecutive crown, becoming only the fourth club ever to achieve back-to-back championships. Manager Ramón Santiago replaced struggling early-season leadership and rallied the Leones through the Dominican Winter League playoffs, narrowly defeating the Toros del Este.
The Leones bring formidable former Major Leaguers: Franchy Cordero, Sócrates Brito, Alex Colomé, and rising star Jefry Yan, whose viral strikeout celebrations became fan favorites. Carlos Peña, the new general manager, inherited championship expectations. Former Royals shortstop Alcides Escobar won series MVP last year but won’t return this time. Santo Domingo’s proud baseball nation carries 23 national titles, more than any competitor.
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Political turmoil in Venezuela forced a shocking December decision. Puerto Rico, Dominican Republic, and Mexico demanded the tournament relocate after the Venezuelan government’s recent upheaval made attendance risky. The CBPC agreed, relocating six days before competition. Venezuela instead will host the separate Serie de las Américas alongside the Caribbean Series.
With Venezuela out, host Mexico received two spots: Charros de Jalisco (Mexican Pacific League champions) and Tomateros de Culiacán (runners-up). Manager Benji Gil leads the Charros with World Series experience from the 2002 Angels. He’s set to manage Team Mexico in March’s World Baseball Classic. Former Royals star Billy Hamilton and ex-MLB pitcher Manny Banuelos anchor Jalisco’s offensive lineup.
| Team | Country | Manager | Caribbean Titles |
| Leones del Escogido | Dominican Republic | Ramón Santiago | 5 |
| Charros de Jalisco | Mexico (Red) | Benji Gil | 0 |
| Tomateros de Culiacán | Mexico (Green) | Lorenzo Bundy | 2 |
| Cangrejeros de Santurce | Puerto Rico | Omar López | 5 |
| Federales de Chiriquí | Panama | José Mayorga | 0 |
“Anything besides another championship wouldn’t have been enough and would have been unacceptable, at least for me,” Carlos Peña stated after Escogido’s playoff victory over Toros del Este.
— Carlos Peña, Leones del Escogido General Manager
Puerto Rico Seeks First Title Since 2018, Panama Eyes Historic Win
The Cangrejeros de Santurce haven’t competed in the Caribbean Series since 2020 when it was held in Puerto Rico. The club returns hungry, managed by Omar López, the Houston Astros bench coach. They defeated the Leones de Ponce 5-1 in their league championship series. Catcher Christian Vázquez, along with infielders Emmanuel Rivera and Isan Díaz, bring Major League pedigree and winning experience to Santurce’s roster.
Panama’s Federales de Chiriquí represent a nation chasing its first Caribbean Series crown since 2019. Coach José Mayorga guided Panama in the 2024 tournament and returns for even greater glory. Former MLB catcher Christian Bethancourt, Rubén Tejada, and pitcher Paolo Espino will carry Caribbean baseball hopes against seasoned rivals.
Will Five Teams and New Drama Produce the Most Memorable Championship Yet?
This year’s tournament carries unprecedented uncertainty. The venue switch, Venezuela’s controversial exit, and the five-team format create unpredictable matchups. The Leones seek historic back-to-back crowns. Puerto Rico hungers to end eight years without a trophy. The host Charros aim for their first-ever Caribbean Series title while playing before home fans. Panama wants to announce itself as a legitimate championship contender. Every game matters in February’s single round-robin format where one bad day could eliminate contenders entirely. MLB Network broadcasts all games in English starting February 1 at 2 p.m. ET.
Sources
- MLB.com – Comprehensive Caribbean Series preview and team rosters
- ESPN Deportes – Schedule, standings, and Dominican Republic analysis
- World Baseball Network – Tournament format and international coverage
Michael Brown is a seasoned sports journalist bringing years of experience covering professional athletics and sporting culture. With a keen eye for breaking stories and player dynamics, this veteran journalist delivers in-depth analysis and exclusive insights from the world’s biggest sporting events. His passion for the game shines through in every story, keeping fans connected to the action both on and off the field.