MLB players Esmerlyn Valdez and Jhonny Pereda join winter leagues

Major League Baseball players Esmerlyn Valdez and Jhonny Pereda are set to participate in Caribbean winter baseball leagues.

Pittsburgh Pirates outfielder Esmerlyn Valdez announced he is preparing to join Leones del Escogido in the Dominican Professional Baseball League. Valdez is currently training in Bradenton, Florida, following a recovery from a left hamstring strain that ended his MLB season in September. He expressed a desire to gain more playing time to prepare for the 2027 season.

In Venezuela, catcher Jhonny Pereda is making his debut for Leones del Caracas in the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League. Pereda, who most recently played for the Seattle Mariners, will start as the third batter and catcher in a game against Tiburones de La Guaira. Pereda previously earned the LVBP Rookie of the Year award during the 2020-2021 season.