With the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) and Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC) set to begin in a few weeks, we are seeing more signings. Let’s take a look at some of the recent moves that were made in both leagues over the weekend:
Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional Signings:
The Leones del Caracas announced that they’ve acquired Kansas City Royals catcher Salvador Perez from the Aguilas del Zulia in exchange for three pitchers. Perez last played in the winter league during the 2022-23 season. Only playing in seven games that winter, Perez hit .318, blasting two home runs and seven RBIs.
In his career, Perez has been a nine-time All-Star, a five-time Gold Glove Award winner, a four-time Silver Slugger, and a World Series champion in 2015, where he was named World Series MVP.
Gustavo Campero
Catcher/outfielder Gustavo Campero, a native of Colombia, will join the Bravos de Margarita this winter. Campero recently made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Angels. The utility player is hitting .286 to begin his career, driving home three RBIs. Last winter, Campero played in Mexico with the Venados de Mazatlan, where he hit .316 in 31 games, with 18 RBIs.
Delino DeShields Jr.
Former MLB veteran outfielder Delino DeShields Jr. is set for his first winter playing in Venezuela, as he will be joining the Aguilas de Zulia. DeShields played this season in the Atlantic League with the Charleston Dirty Birds. In 69 games, DeShields hit .256, hitting four home runs and 33 RBIs while stealing 36 bases.
He previously played winter ball in the Dominican Republic with the Tigres del Licey during the 2021-22 season and then joined the Sultanes de Monterrey in Mexico during the 2023-24 winter season. DeShields played in seven MLB seasons with the Rangers, Guardians, and Reds from 2015 to 2021.
Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente:
Bryan Chi
The Cangrejeros de Santurce welcome Cuban right-handed pitcher Bryan Chi to their organization. Chi signed with the Texas Rangers as a free agent in July 2022. He made his MiLB debut in 2023, and just this year, in 2024, Chi reached as high as Triple-A in the Rangers organization. This will be Chi’s first season playing in Puerto Rico after playing in the Cuban National Series from 2017 to 2021.
Felix Perez
After it was reported that he would be playing in Venezuela this winter, Cuban slugger Felix Perez will also join the Cangrejeros de Santurce. The 39-year-old outfielder will turn 40 this November and has played in winter leagues since the 2010-11 winter season. Perez played 44 games this year in the Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (LMB) with the Olmecas de Tabasco, hitting .372, blasting six home runs, and 25 RBIs.
