Three active major leaguers have confirmed they will play for the Tiburones de La Guaira in the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional this winter, their agent Wilfredo Polidor announced.
Rafael Marchán, Bradgley Rodríguez and Jorge Barrosa are all slated to join the club, while Polidor added that St. Louis Cardinals catcher Willson Contreras may also play later in the season.
Marchán, a backup catcher for the Philadelphia Phillies, is expected to be the first of the group to suit up and could be in the Tiburones’ lineup as early as next week. The Venezuelan backstop posted a .587 OPS with two home runs during the 2025 MLB season. He has previously played winter ball for both Tiburones and the Tigres de Aragua.
Barrosa, an outfielder in the Arizona Diamondbacks organization, will make his LVBP debut after spending last winter in Puerto Rico. He split the 2025 season between the majors and Triple-A Reno. In 33 MLB games, he recorded a .394 OPS, while hitting .294 with seven home runs and 58 RBIs in Triple-A.
Rodríguez, a right-handed reliever for the San Diego Padres, will make his second LVBP appearance after pitching for Tiburones two winters ago. He is expected to be limited to 20 innings, beginning Dec. 1. Rodríguez made his MLB debut in 2025, posting a 1.17 ERA with nine strikeouts in 7 2/3 innings. He is expected to be one of the league’s top relievers and will use the winter season to prepare for the 2026 World Baseball Classic.
Contreras, the most well-known name of the group, has not yet confirmed his participation but may join in December, according to Polidor. The veteran catcher hit .257/.344/.447 with 20 home runs and 80 RBIs for St. Louis in 2025.
If Contreras, along with Ronald Acuña Jr. and Maikel García, joins the roster, Tiburones could field one of their most talented lineups in recent franchise history.
Photo: Bradgley Rodríguez celebrates recording a strikeout against Milwaukee Brewers on September 22. (Ap photo/Gregory Bull)
