San Francisco de Macorís.– The Gigantes del Cibao announced the hiring of the experienced Venezuelan Miguel Cairo as the new manager of the team for the upcoming season of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM).
The organization also confirmed the integration of Rafael Chávez as pitching coach and José Javier as bench coach, thus completing part of its technical staff for the next tournament.
The announcement was made by the team’s general manager, Jaylon Pimentel, who welcomed the new members of the franchise and highlighted their experience, preparation, and leadership skills.
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We are very excited about the arrival of Miguel, Rafael, and José. They are baseball men with extensive experience, a great work ethic, and experience at the highest levels of the game. We are convinced that they will be important pieces in achieving the goals of our organization,” Pimentel expressed.
Cairo, 52, has a long career in professional baseball, after playing 17 seasons in the Major Leagues with nine organizations, accumulating experience that he then transferred to different coaching staffs at the highest level.
Currently serves as the infield coach for the Baltimore Orioles, and has previously worked with organizations such as the Cincinnati Reds, New York Yankees, New York Mets, and Washington Nationals. Throughout his career, he has held roles such as infield coordinator, field coordinator, and bench coach, in addition to having been an interim manager in Major League Baseball.
In winter baseball, Cairo also managed the Navegantes del Magallanes in the 2023-24 season of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League.
Rafael Chávez will take on the role of pitching coach. Chávez has an extensive career in professional baseball, with experience in Major League organizations such as the Seattle Mariners, New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, Philadelphia Phillies, and Washington Nationals, among others.
Currently working as a pitching coordinator in the minor leagues with the Pittsburgh Pirates. In winter baseball, he has been part of technical staff in the Dominican Republic and Puerto Rico, including his participation with the Tigres del Licey, champions in the 2023-24 season, as well as with the Indios de Mayagüez.
The new bench coach, José Javier, began his career as an instructor after his time as a player within the New York Yankees organization. He has developed his career at all levels of that organization’s minor league system, including Triple A, where he worked in his two most recent seasons.
In 2025, he received his first opportunity in Major League Baseball as the first base coach for the Chicago Cubs, a role he currently holds, in addition to his participation in the LIDOM with the Estrellas Orientales in the 2024-25 season.
With these additions, the Gigantes del Cibao strengthen their technical structure for the upcoming season, betting on a coaching staff with extensive experience in Major Leagues, minor leagues and winter baseball.
