Baseball once again takes center stage across the Caribbean. This October 15 marks the official start of the 2025-26 winter league season in Mexico, Venezuela, and the Dominican Republic — three of the region’s most competitive and historic baseball circuits. With upgraded stadiums, new talent, and eyes already set on the 2026 Caribbean Series “Gran Caracas”, the excitement is just beginning.

Venezuela: Cardenales begin their title defense

The Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) opens its season with a high-profile matchup between the Cardenales de Lara — last year’s champions — and the Bravos de Margarita in Barquisimeto. The Cardenales, who captured their seventh national title last January after a dramatic comeback in the finals, return with a strong mix of experienced veterans and promising prospects. The 2025-26 LVBP schedule features eight traditional teams and a 56-game regular season running through December.

Dominican Republic: LIDOM brings back the fire

In the Dominican Republic, the LIDOM (Dominican Professional Baseball League) also gets underway this October 15, with the Leones del Escogido debuting as defending champions. The “Leones” claimed the 2024-25 crown after defeating the Tigres del Licey in a thrilling seven-game final series.

Widely considered the strongest winter league in the Caribbean — thanks to its talent depth and competitive level — LIDOM promises packed stadiums and electric matchups in Santo Domingo, Santiago, San Pedro de Macorís, and San Francisco de Macorís.

Mexico: new faces, same intensity

The ARCO Mexican Pacific League (LMP) also launches its winter campaign with classic matchups across the country. The Charros de Jalisco, reigning champions after beating the Tomateros de Culiacán in six games, open their season with hopes of repeating last year’s success.

The big novelty for 2025-26 is the official debut of the Jaguares de Nayarit, who play their first-ever game against the Venados de Mazatlán in Tepic. With ten teams in action and a well-structured playoff format, the LMP continues to stand out as one of Latin America’s most organized and exciting leagues.

2026 Caribbean Series: “Gran Caracas” announced as host

The upcoming 2026 Caribbean Series will be held in Venezuela, under the official theme “Gran Caracas 2026.” Games will be played at three venues: the Simón Bolívar Monumental Stadium (La Rinconada), the Universitario Stadium (Caracas), and the Jorge Luis García Carneiro Stadium in La Guaira.

Champions from each league — along with teams from Puerto Rico, Cuba, Colombia, and possibly an Asian guest — will compete for the continental crown in February. In the previous edition (Mexicali 2025), the Leones del Escogido defeated the Charros de Jalisco 1–0 in the final to claim the Caribbean title.

🔥 Expectations and international appeal

The Caribbean winter leagues continue to serve as a vital platform for young prospects, Major League players, and emerging Latin American talent. Expanded international broadcasts now allow fans worldwide to enjoy the energy and passion that make Caribbean baseball unique.

With packed stands, rising stars, and fierce rivalries, the Caribbean once again proves that winter here means only one thing — pure baseball passion.