Here are the Minor Leaguers to follow in winter ball this year
The weather is starting to turn in many parts of the United States and Canada, but that doesn't mean baseball goes away after the conclusion of the World Series. It's always baseball season in Latin America. From now through the Caribbean Series in February, winter leagues feature some of the
The weather is starting to turn in many parts of the United States and Canada, but that doesn't mean baseball goes away after the conclusion of the World Series. It's always baseball season in Latin America.
From now through the Caribbean Series in February, winter leagues feature some of the world's top talent -- with rosters already including ranked prospects from 12 Major League organizations.
The Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), Venezuelan Winter League (VWL) and Mexican Pacific League (LMP) are all already cranking, and the Puerto Rican Winter League (LBPRC) begins play Nov. 7. On all four circuits you can find some of the most promising prospects in baseball compete alongside veterans, getting developmental opportunities beyond the possibilities available during the Minor League season.
The Dominican Winter League games are included as part of MLB.TV’s Postseason Package, which is available for $24.99. LIDOM games will be broadcast exclusively in Spanish. The games will be streamed live but not archived. There will be TV broadcasts, but no radio broadcasts. You can watch the games on the MLB app or online at MLB.com.
Here are the top prospects to watch:
Jordan Lawlar, SS, Tigres del Licey (LIDOM), AZ No. 1/MLB No. 9
Lawlar’s talent has never been in question. He just needs to play. The sixth overall pick in the 2021 Draft reached the Majors as a 21-year-old for the Diamondbacks’ World Series run in 2023, but appeared in only 23 Minor League games in 2024 due to right thumb surgery and left hamstring issues. Lawlar began producing immediately in winter ball, hitting .360/.419/.680 with two homers in his first seven games for Licey.
Orelvis Martinez, 2B/SS, Tigres del Licey (LIDOM), TOR No. 2
The Blue Jays’ power-hitting infield prospect made his MLB debut for Toronto in June, but appeared in only one game before serving an 80-game suspension for testing positive for the banned substance Clomiphene. This is his second winter suiting up in the LIDOM after playing 10 games for Licey in 2023-24.
Deyvison De Los Santos, 3B, Gigantes del Cibao (LIDOM), MIA No. 4
De Los Santos had a wild, whirlwind 2024 season in which he moved between three organizations, eventually landing in Miami’s system. The 21-year-old also never stopped hitting. He led the Minor Leagues with 40 homers and 120 RBIs in a breakout year that still featured some notable swing-and-miss (34-144 BB/SO), so he headed to winter ball to attempt to iron that out.
Roderick Arias, 2B, Estrellas Orientales (LIDOM), NYY No. 4
The switch-hitting Arias was MLB Pipeline’s top-rated international prospect in the 2022 class, but struggled in his debut and regressed in areas during what was really his first full season in 2024. The 20-year-old, however, still flashed his serious upside by pairing 13 homers with 37 steals in 124 games at Single-A Tampa this summer.
Diego Cartaya, C, Tiburones de La Guaira (VWL), LAD No. 16
Two years ago, Cartaya was one of the most exciting prospects in baseball and considered one of the two or three best catching prospects in the sport. But it’s been a long two years. Cartaya struggled mightily in 2023 as he battled injuries, and he didn’t hit much despite reaching Triple-A this summer. This is a big winter stint in his native Venezuela for him.
More prospects to keep an eye on:
Pablo Aliendo, C, Navegantes del Magallanes (VWL), CHC No. 13
Michael Arias, RHP, Tigres del Licey (LIDOM), CHC No. 19
Aeverson Arteaga, SS, Navegantes del Magallanes (VWL), SF No. 11
Warming Bernabel, OF, Leones del Escogido (LIDOM), COL No. 24
Christian Cerda, C, Estrellas Orientales (LIDOM), AZ No. 29
Raylin Heredia, OF, Gigantes del Cibao (LIDOM), PHI No. 30
Carlos Jimenez, OF, Leones del Escogido (LIDOM), SEA No. 28
Eddys Leonard, OF, Aguilas Cibaenas (LIDOM), DET No. 29
Yunior Severino, 1B, Tigres del Licey (LIDOM), MIN No. 25
Brandon Valenzuela, C, Naranjeros de Hermosillo (LMP), SD No. 12
Joe Trezza is an contributor for MiLB.com.