José Leger is named Chicago White Sox first base coach

SANTO DOMINGO. — Dominican baseball adds another representative in the technical staff of Major Leagues. José Joaquín Leger Durán, current manager of the Gigantes del Cibao in the Dominican League, was hired as first base coach of the Chicago White Sox, the strategist himself confirmed to Diario Libre this Monday.

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The Francomacorisana organization congratulated its leader through its social media, highlighting the achievement and the pride it represents for the team. Leger becomes the “second Dominican named as a first-time coach this offseason”, following in the footsteps of “Gilbert Gómez”, who last week assumed that same role with the New York Mets.

More Dominicans in MLB Technical Staffs

The appointment of Leger joins a growing list of Dominican technicians who have had an active presence in MLB. In the 2025 season, they were part of the staffs:

• Manny Acta (bench coach, Mariners)
• Luis Rojas (third base coach, Yankees)
• Rodney Linares (third base coach, Rays)
• Carlos Febles (third base coach, Blue Jays)
• José Javier (first base coach, Cubs)
• Julio Borbón (first base coach, Brewers)
• Pedro Guerrero (batting coach, Marlins)

José Leger’s Career

Born in Santo Domingo and 43 years old, Leger played college baseball at Georgia College and State University. He signed as a free agent with the Minnesota Twins and played in the minor leagues in 2005 and 2006 as a catcher and third baseman. His career in player development began in 2009 as a batting coach in the Dominican Summer League. He was a manager in the DSL with the Mets in 2010, and later continued his rise among rookie and Class A teams between 2012 and 2017. Between 2021 and 2024, he managed in AA within the Texas Rangers system. In the Dominican League, in addition to the Gigantes del Cibao, he has had experiences as a manager for Escogido and Águilas Cibaeñas, as well as coaching roles with Estrellas Orientales and Tigres del Licey.

Rising Giants

Under his direction, the Giants have shown an upturn in recent weeks, arriving at the day with a record of 11-13, supported by a streak of three consecutive victories and five wins in their last ten games, positioning themselves in the classification zone for the Round Robin. Source: Diario Libre