The Cuban pitcher Vladimir Gutiérrez will play again with the Pericos de Puebla in the 2025 season of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB), as confirmed by journalist Francys Romero via the social network Facebook.
At 29 years old, the player from Pinar continues to work to establish himself in the Mexican league and keep his aspirations of returning to Major League Baseball (MLB) alive, where he debuted in 2021 with the Cincinnati Reds and had a brief stint in 2024 with the Miami Marlins.
Gutiérrez will share a team with another Cuban, Guantanamo native Julio Pablo Martínez, in a Puebla team that has gained prominence with the addition of several international talents.
Recent tour
During the 2024-2025 winter season, Gutiérrez was active in two major Caribbean leagues. In the LIDOM (tournament in the Dominican Republic), he represented the Águilas Cibaeñas, achieving a record of 3-3 in 11 starts, with 44.2 innings pitched, 40 strikeouts, 12 walks, and an earned run average of 4.23 along with a WHIP of 1.19.
Later, in the ARCO Mexican Pacific League, he wore the uniform of the Yaquis de Ciudad Obregón, where he pitched in the postseason. In two starts against the Naranjeros de Hermosillo, he recorded one loss in 11 innings, with 9 strikeouts and three earned runs.
Step into MLB in 2024
According to the specialized site Pelota Cubana, last year, Gutiérrez started in the minor league system with the Worcester Red Sox, the Triple-A affiliate of Boston, and was later transferred to the Miami Marlins, pitching in Triple-A with the Nashville Sounds. He made one appearance in MLB with the Marlins, working four innings and allowing three runs.
He then signed with the Pericos de Puebla in the LMB, where he made eight starts, achieving four wins and two losses, with one complete game. In 40 innings, he allowed 24 earned runs, struck out 39 batters, and issued 19 walks. His earned run average was 5.40, with a WHIP of 1.50.
A new opportunity in MLB?
Gutiérrez has demonstrated the ability to compete at various levels of professional baseball. Although his recent statistics have been mixed, his experience and versatility keep him an attractive figure for teams looking to add depth to their rotation or bullpen.
If he can stay healthy and consistent in Mexico, it wouldn't be far-fetched to think of a new opportunity in MLB, where he already showcased flashes of talent in his debut year.
Frequently Asked Questions about Vladimir Gutiérrez and His Baseball Career
What is Vladimir Gutiérrez's new team in Mexico?
Vladimir Gutiérrez will play again with the Pericos de Puebla in the 2025 season of the Mexican Baseball League (LMB). This return to the Mexican team is part of his efforts to establish himself in the Mexican circuit and keep his hopes alive of returning to the Major Leagues.
How has Gutiérrez performed recently in international leagues?
During the 2024-2025 winter season, Vladimir Gutiérrez played in two major Caribbean leagues. In the Dominican League (LIDOM), he had a record of 3-3 with an ERA of 4.23 over 11 starts. Later, in the ARCO Mexican Pacific League, he played for the Yaquis de Ciudad Obregón in the postseason, recording a loss in 11 innings. His performance has been mixed, but his experience keeps him an appealing figure for teams looking for depth in their rotations.
Does Gutiérrez have a chance of returning to the MLB?
If Gutiérrez can stay healthy and consistent in Mexico, he could have a new opportunity in the MLB. Although his recent statistics have been varied, his ability to compete at different levels of professional baseball makes him a potential candidate for Major League teams.
What other Cubans play with Vladimir Gutiérrez on the Pericos de Puebla?
Julio Pablo Martínez, another Cuban baseball player, will be joining Vladimir Gutiérrez on the Pericos de Puebla. The addition of international talents has allowed the team to gain prominence in the Mexican Baseball League.
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