Giants receive Wily Peralta, Melvin Mercedes and imports Reid Birlingmair and Caleb Smith

San Francisco de Macorís, – The Gigantes del Cibao continue to add important pieces to their roster with a view to the 2025-26 season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), after the integration this Monday of the native players Wily Peralta and Melvin Mercedes, along with the imported pitchers Reid Birlingmair and Caleb Smith.8

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General Manager Jaylon Pimentel and leader José Leger led the training session held at the Julián Javier Stadium, where the four players were officially received and immediately joined the preparation routines of the Francomacorisano team. Wily Peralta, a 36-year-old right-handed pitcher with 10 seasons of experience in the Major Leagues, returns to strengthen the club’s starting rotation. In the 2024 season with the Giants, he recorded a 2–5 record, with an ERA of 2.85 in 10 starts, pitching 41.0 innings, in which he allowed 41 hits, 13 earned runs and struck out 30 batters, with a WHIP of 1.41. His veteran status and consistency consolidate him as one of the pillars of the team’s starting pitching. For his part, Melvin Mercedes, 33 years old, is a utility player who bats from both sides of the plate and can play efficiently both in the infield and in the outfield. Currently, he belongs to the Tigres de Quintana Roo in the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), where in the 2025 season he recorded a .264 average, with 1 home run, 22 RBIs, and 14 stolen bases. His versatility and leadership in the clubhouse make him a key piece for manager José Leger’s strategy. In the same day, imported pitchers Reid Birlingmair and Caleb Smith were also integrated, who arrived in the country and immediately joined the team’s training. Birlingmair, a 28-year-old right-handed pitcher, comes from pitching with the Guerreros de Oaxaca in the Mexican Baseball League, where he worked 34.1 innings, with a record of 8–1, an ERA of 4.98, 44 strikeouts, 18 walks and a WHIP of 1.60. While Caleb Smith, a 34-year-old left-hander with six seasons of experience in the Major Leagues, pitched this summer for the Dorados de Chihuahua in the LMB, recording 3–9, an ERA of 5.52 in 93.0 innings, with 60 strikeouts, 21 walks and a WHIP of 1.58. His MLB experience and ability to pitch deep into games profile him as an important addition to the rotation. “The arrival of Wily, Melvin, Caleb, and Reid significantly strengthens our team,” said General Manager Jaylon Pimentel. “We are very pleased with the integration of these players, who bring experience, talent, and commitment.” The leader José Leger also highlighted the positive atmosphere that prevails in training. “We are seeing a committed and energetic group. Having veterans like Wily and Melvin alongside new arms like Caleb and Reid gives us a balance that will be key during the season.” With these additions, the Gigantes del Cibao continue to move forward steadily in their preparation for the next campaign, reinforcing their combination of experience, youth, and depth in all areas of the game.