Cuban pitcher Odrisamer Despaigne has reached an agreement to join the Águilas Cibaeñas for the upcoming winter season of the Dominican Republic's Professional Baseball League (LIDOM), as disclosed by journalist Francys Romero through sources familiar with the negotiation.
While the deal hasn't been finalized, an official announcement is anticipated in the coming weeks.
Despaigne arrives at a peak performance period: at 39, the Havana native leads the Mexican Baseball League 2026 in innings pitched, having thrown 95.0 innings with Caliente de Durango, making him the most utilized starter in the league.
Beyond his endurance, the right-hander boasts an ERA of 3.88, ranking him among the top ten pitchers in the Mexican championship and affirming his status as a reliable and high-volume starter.
Return to Familiar Grounds
For the Águilas, one of the most successful teams in Dominican baseball, adding the Cuban veteran brings seasoned experience from various professional leagues worldwide.
This won't be Despaigne's first stint with the Santiago de los Caballeros franchise. Earlier this year, in January, he was signed by the Águilas for the LIDOM 2025-2026 Round Robin, debuting against the Gigantes del Cibao on January 11.
However, his tenure was short-lived: ten days later, he was traded to Toros del Este, with whom he reached the LIDOM finals. In Game 3 of that series against Leones del Escogido, Despaigne delivered an impressive performance, pitching 5.2 innings, allowing two runs, and striking out seven batters, with a fastball averaging 92.9 mph and peaking at 94.2 mph.
Global Experience
The Havana pitcher's international journey includes six MLB seasons with the San Diego Padres, Baltimore Orioles, Miami Marlins, Los Angeles Angels, and Chicago White Sox, amassing 363.0 innings and a 13-26 record in the major leagues.
After his MLB tenure, Despaigne moved to South Korea's KBO League with KT Wiz, where he achieved his best season in 2020, recording a 15-8 mark, a 4.33 ERA, and over 200 innings pitched, before settling in the Mexican Baseball League.
With a proven arm across three continents and the ability to handle a significant workload, Despaigne stands out as one of the most solid acquisitions for the 2026-2027 LIDOM winter season, reinforcing a pitching staff aiming to compete for the championship from day one.
Insights into Despaigne's Impact on LIDOM
What makes Odrisamer Despaigne a valuable addition to Águilas Cibaeñas?
Despaigne brings extensive experience from playing in various international leagues, including MLB and KBO, showcasing his ability to handle a high volume of innings with effectiveness, making him a reliable starter.
How did Despaigne perform in the Mexican Baseball League?
In the Mexican Baseball League, Despaigne led the league in innings pitched with 95.0, demonstrating his durability and effectiveness as a starter, with an ERA of 3.88, ranking him among the top ten pitchers.
Has Despaigne played for Águilas Cibaeñas before?
Yes, Despaigne previously played for Águilas Cibaeñas during the LIDOM 2025-2026 Round Robin, though his stay was brief before being traded to Toros del Este.