Get ready for a thrilling tale of baseball, politics, and unexpected twists! Mexico has claimed the Caribbean Series title, but the road to victory was anything but ordinary. The 2025-2026 Winter Leagues, spanning November to January across the Dominican Republic, Mexico, Panama, Puerto Rico, and Venezuela, set the stage for this prestigious tournament. Each nation battled it out in their respective playoffs, sending their champions to compete for Caribbean supremacy.
But here's where it gets controversial... Venezuela, originally slated to host the series, had to pass the baton to Mexico due to political unrest and safety concerns. In a surprising turn of events, Venezuela withdrew their team, leaving Mexico with the unique advantage of fielding two teams in the tournament. And this is the part most people miss—how much did this decision influence the final outcome?
Let’s meet the contenders. Leones del Escogido, the Dominican champions, boasted a roster with former San Diego Padres players like catcher Martin Maldonado, outfielder Franchy Cordero, and infielder Eguy Rosario. Cordero was the only one of the trio to participate in the series, while RHP Francis Pena, a Padres prospect, closed out the championship game. Baseball legend Albert Pujols managed the team, adding star power to their bench.
Canorejeros de Santurce, representing Puerto Rico, secured their league title by a three-game margin but struggled offensively in the series, finishing third after a semifinal exit. Federales de Chiriqui, Panama’s entry, featured former Padre Christian Bethancourt behind the plate but went winless, ending the tournament in last place.
Mexico’s dual representation included Charros de Jalisco (Mexico Red), the league winners, and Tomateros de Culiacan (Mexico Green), who stepped in for Venezuela. Charros’ lineup included Padres prospect Tirso Ornelas and his brother Julian, though Tirso was absent for the championship. Julian, batting second, impressed with a .308 average and .857 OPS. Mexico Red was led by Benji Gil, a former World Series champion, who also managed his son Mateo in the tournament. Gil will soon helm the Mexico WBC team, showcasing his growing influence in international baseball.
Mexico Green featured former Padre Allan Cordoba in center field and Padres minor leaguer Luis Verdugo at shortstop and DH. Verdugo, the older brother of Padres prospect Rosman Verdugo, posted a stellar .381/.409/.476 line. Catcher Ali Solis, a 2012 Padres alum, rounded out the squad.
The Caribbean Series, a round-robin format, saw the Dominican Republic, Puerto Rico, and both Mexican teams advance to the semifinals. Leones del Escogido entered as favorites, defending their title with a roster brimming with MLB prospects. They started strong at 3-0 but stumbled with two consecutive losses, including a semifinal defeat to Mexico Green. Mexico Red ousted Puerto Rico in the other semifinal, setting up an all-Mexico final.
The championship game was a marathon, lasting over four hours and 10 innings before Mexico Red clinched victory on two wild pitches in the bottom of the 10th. Played in Jalisco, Mexico, at an altitude of over 5,000 feet, the series was a high-scoring affair with pitchers struggling to find their rhythm. The final score, 12-11, reflected the offensive fireworks.
And this is where it gets even more intriguing... Former Padre Odrisamer Despaigne, who had dominated in his previous start, faltered for Mexico Green, lasting just 0.2 innings and allowing four earned runs. Tirso Ornelas, despite his .236/.300/.292 line with Charros, continues to face challenges breaking into the Padres’ 26-man roster, primarily due to his lack of power.
Many of these players will transition to the WBC and later the Summer League, showcasing their year-round dedication to the sport. But here’s the question that lingers: Did Mexico’s dual representation give them an unfair advantage, or was their victory a testament to their depth and talent? Let us know your thoughts in the comments—we’d love to hear your take on this heated debate!
