The wait is over: the Caribbean Series 2025 officially welcomes its full roster as teams head to Mexicali, Mexico, for the most anticipated Caribbean winter fiesta. Teams from Puerto Rico, the Dominican Republic, Venezuela, Japan, and Mexico are poised to represent their countries with pride, culminating in what promises to be an unforgettable week of baseball starting January 31 and running through February 7, 2025.
This year’s tournament, hosted by the Águilas de Mexicali of the Mexican Pacific League, brings together five formidable teams, including the special invitee, Japan, all set for thrilling matchups. Among these teams, the Charros de Jalisco will fly the flag for Mexico after triumphantly claiming the championship title of the Liga Mexicana del Pacífico (LMP) by defeating Tomateros de Culiacán with a score of 4-2.
Led by the experienced manager Benjamín Gil, who also oversees the Mexican national team, the Charros will showcase a roster combining youthful exuberance with seasoned talent. This blend is expected to make them one of the favorites this year. Fans are hopeful and excited, especially as no team from Mexico has yet clinched the Caribbean Series trophy, which last went to the Venados de Mazatlán back in 2016.
With the tournament organized by the Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation, Charros de Jalisco’s roster is officially set, comprising 28 players from the championship-winning side and nine additional reinforcements. The team’s official makeup includes three catchers, six infielders, four outfielders, and 15 pitchers, making for a total of 37 members ready to tackle the challenges of the tournament.
The Charros' roster is well-rounded, featuring catchers Carlos Mendívil, Alexis Wilson, and Alfredo Hurtado, alongside infielders Japhet Amador, Reynaldo Rodríguez, Jack Mayfield, Mateo Gil, Michael Wielansky, and Jasson Atondo. The outfield lineup consists of Billy Hamilton, Donovan Casey, Julián Ornelas, and Rudy Martin Jr. The team’s pitching staff boasts notable arms such as Jesús Cruz, Trevor Clifton, Mario Meza, Manny Bañuelos, and Ronald Medrano, to name just a few.
Adding to their depth, the Charros have secured several reinforcements from other teams, including Alexis Wilson (Algodoneros de Guasave), along with Rudy Martin Jr., David Gutiérrez, and Stephen Nogosek from Tomateros de Culiacán. Other significant additions include Jasson Atondo and José Cardona (Naranjeros de Hermosillo), Donovan Casey (Sultanes de Monterrey), and Jesús Cruz and David Reyes (Águilas de Mexicali).
The Caribbean Series has always been known for its competitive nature, attracting some of the best baseball talent from across the region. This year’s participating teams include the Indios de Mayagüez from Puerto Rico, Leones del Escogido from the Dominican Republic, Cardenales de Lara from Venezuela, and the Japan Breeze as the guest team. Each of these teams has high expectations and hopes to showcase their skills on this grand stage.
Taking place at the Estadio Nido de los Águilas, which has undergone renovations since its last major update in 2008, the venue is ready to accommodate around 20,000 fans. The Nido previously hosted the Caribbean Series back in 2009, where Tigres de Aragua emerged victorious.
With the Caribbean Series approaching, excitement is palpable. The Charros de Jalisco, buoyed by their recent successes and strategic roster boosts, are ready to attempt to shatter the myth of Mexico’s struggles with the tournament trophy. Baseball fans around the continent will be eagerly watching as the tournament kicks off, hopeful for their team’s triumph.