With the winter rapidly approaching and seasons across the baseball world inching closer to playoffs, the conversations are rumbling around the Puerto Rican Winter League, also known as the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League. Two names that have appeared on a recent list to participate in the competition are two-way player Jac Caglianone and starting pitcher Dominic Hamel.
Hamel, 25, currently pitches in Triple-A in the New York Mets organization. According to MLB Pipeline, he is ranked as the Mets no. 15 prospect in their organization. Hamel has made 26 starts this season, pitching to a 4-9 record, posting a 6.92 ERA, striking out 120 batters in 119.2 innings of work.
He also represented Puerto Rico during the World Baseball Classic in 2023, although he did not pitch in any games. He intends to pitch with Puerto Rico and wants to be back on their 2026 squad.
Known as the “Shohei Ohtani of the NCAA,” Jac Caglianone’s name is also listed in a pool of players who could be selected to play in Puerto Rico this winter. The Kansas City Royals selected him with the sixth overall selection in the 2024 Draft. Although he did not pitch with the Royals organization, he hit very well in High-A, posting a .241 average, blasting two home runs, with 14 RBIs.
Caglianone’s mother was born in Humacao, Puerto Rico, which makes him eligible to play with Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic or any international event where the island is represented.
The list for the rookie draw in the Roberto Clemente Professional Baseball League will be announced on September 30. The San Juan Senators (formerly RA12) will have the first selection.
Photo Credit: Jac Caglianone, the Kansas City Royals’ first-round draft pick, puts on his cap. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images)
