As seasons across baseball wrap, more signings are being made in Liga Venezolana de Béisbol (LVBP). Here are some players that will be headed to Venezuela to join in on the competition.
Yoel Yanqui – Navegantes del Magallanes
Going back for another season with the Navegantes is first baseman/outfielder Yoel Yanqui. Last winter, Yanqui played with the Cardenales de Lara, where he hit .291 in 26 games, hitting one home run and bringing home nine RBIs. He played with the Navegantes during the 2022-23 season, where he played in 20 games, with one homer and seven RBIs while hitting .232. This will be Yanqui’s third straight winter playing in Venezuela.
Sterling Sharp – Aguilas del Zulia
In what will be his first winter season in his career, Sterling Sharp will be joining the Aguilas de Zulia. Sharp made his MLB debut in 2020 with the Miami Marlins after they selected him during the Rule 5 Draft. He only appeared in four games that year, posting a 10.13 ERA, striking out three batters in 5.1 innings of work.
As for the 2024 season, Sharp has been pitching in the American Association with the Lake Country DockHounds. Making eight starts, Sharp went 1-2, a 3.28 ERA, throwing in 35.2 innings, striking out 27 batters.
Tucupita Marcano – Navegantes del Magallanes
One player who will be looking to focus on baseball this winter is Tucupita Marcano. This will also be Marcano’s first winter playing baseball in Venezuela. Marcano was banned from the MLB in June for violating the league’s gambling policy. Marcano played in the MLB from 2021-2023 with the San Diego Padres and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Photo Credit: Tucupita Marcano #30 of the Pittsburgh Pirates looks on from the dugout. (Photo by Rob Tringali/MLB Photos via Getty Images)
