Mexico.- Robinson Canó, the Dominican second baseman renowned for his Major League Baseball career, is set to showcase his talents in the 2024 season of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB) as a member of the Red Devils of Mexico.
Canó, a World Series champion with the New York Yankees in 2009, aims to make a significant impact as the Red Devils kick off their season with a visit to the defending champions, Pericos de Puebla, starting this Thursday. With 17 seasons and 335 home runs in the Majors, Canó, who captained the Dominican Republic in the last World Classic, brings both skill and leadership to the Reds, who aspire to end a 10-year title drought.
“Robinson Canó is more than just a talented batter; he’s a leader,” remarked Lorenzo Bundy, manager of the Diablos. Despite being 41 years old, Canó demonstrated his prowess by going 3 for 4 with a home run in the first game of an exhibition series, where the Devils swept the Yankees in two games in Mexico City.
Joining Canó on the team is Trevor Bauer, the National League Cy Young Award winner in 2020, who aims to showcase his abilities over five games from April 11 to May 8, with hopes of attracting attention from Major League teams. Bauer made his debut with the Devils in the series against the Yankees, pitching three scoreless innings.
Other notable MLB veterans competing in Mexico this year include Didi Gregorius, the former Yankees shortstop, returning to the LMB with the Algodoneros Unión Laguna, and Cuban outfielder Yasiel Puig, who will play his second season with El Águila de Veracruz after a successful debut year in 2021.
Addison Russell, a World Series champion with the Chicago Cubs in 2016, will also return to the LMB with the Monclova Steelers. Additionally, Venezuelan José Rondón, who encountered visa issues preventing him from signing with the Mets, will join the Red Devils, while Dominican pitcher César Valdez returns to the Lions of Yucatan.
Following the inaugural clash between the Red Devils and Pericos, the season will continue with the debut of other teams on Friday.