The 2025 Caribbean Series is set to bring thrilling baseball action as teams from across the Caribbean, along with guest participant Japan, converge on Mexicali, Mexico. The tournament, which runs from January 31 to February 7, promises plenty of excitement with some of the best baseball talent on display.
This year marks the 67th edition of the revered tournament, and it features the champions from winter leagues of the Caribbean nations. The participating teams are:
- Dominican Republic: Leones del Escogido
- Mexico: Charros de Jalisco
- Puerto Rico: Indios de Mayagüez
- Venezuela: Cardenales de Lara
- Japan: Japan Breeze, making its historic debut
One of the most anticipated matchups occurs early on, with Venezuela facing the Dominican Republic on January 31 at 1:30 PM (local time). This clash not only pits two Caribbean powerhouses against one another but also sees the defending champions, Cardenales de Lara, seeking to retain their title after their victory last year.
The game will take place at the Estadio Nido de los Águilas, home of the Águilas de Mexicali, where fans can expect to witness electrifying plays. Both teams have shown tremendous skill and teamwork during their respective winter league seasons, making this encounter even more pivotal.
Representing the Dominican Republic are the Leones del Escogido, who recently triumphed over the Tigres del Licey to claim the title of Liga de Béisbol Profesional de la República Dominicana (LIDOM). The manager, none other than baseball legend Albert Pujols, is poised to lead his team with the ambition of securing their fifth Caribbean Series title. Pujols described his emotions after the championship win, stating, “We feel honored to have someone of such stature and quality to aim for our goal of lifting another championship.”
On the other hand, Venezuela's Cardenales de Lara enters this tournament riding the momentum of last year's success, hoping to make history by becoming the sixth Venezuelan organization to win the Caribbean Series.
The tournament format is structured for maximum excitement. It consists of round-robin play where each team competes against every other team, leading to the semifinals where the top four teams will battle it out for the championship. Matches will be broadcast live across various networks, providing fans with ample opportunities to follow the action.
For viewers craving Spanish commentary, ESPN Deportes and ESPN+ will offer comprehensive coverage, ensuring fans won’t miss any moment of the action. Meanwhile, MLB Network has also committed to broadcasting all games live, marking the first time since 2010 the tournament has been available to English-speaking U.S. audiences. Notable commentators are set to guide views through the games, enhancing the overall viewing experience.
The inclusion of the Japan Breeze—in what is seen to be the series' most significant expansion yet—highlights the tournament’s growth and the increasing international recognition of Caribbean baseball. This exciting development is expected not only to raise the level of competition but also to strengthen the ties between Japanese baseball and its Caribbean counterparts.
Each game is expected to bring heart-pounding moments, especially when considering the talents displayed by the players. With rosters comprising some of the most skilled names, including Junior Caminero of the Leones del Escogido, the series ensures every game will be filled with notable player performances. "If I say I expected to lead the team to the championship as a kid, I’d be lying. God has a plan for each of us,” remarked Pujols as he reflects on his team's unexpected triumphant path.
Baseball fans can look forward to ten days of intense competition beginning on January 31, culminating on February 7 with the championship match. Every matchup will be pivotal, and it is certain all participating teams are geared to showcase their abilities on this grand stage.
The atmosphere at the Estadio Nido de los Águilas will undoubtedly be electric, with passionate fans filling the stands and creating memorable moments. Not only will this tournament feature athletes aiming for glory, but it will also showcase the vibrancy and cultural significance of Caribbean baseball.
Make sure not to miss the action, as the Series del Caribe 2025 promises to be one for the history books!