The La Guaira Sharks have signed American player Art Charles, as reported by journalist Yusseff Diaz via his account on X. This report indicates that the reigning champions of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP) will retain one of the top sluggers currently playing in Mexico.
At 33 years old, Charles boasts impressive offensive statistics in the Mexican league. His batting line stands at .309/.465/.774, with 31 home runs, 14 doubles, and 77 RBIs in 70 games with the Leones de Yucatán. His home runs, slugging percentage, and OPS of 1.239 make him the leader in these categories within the LMB.
Sources informed the reporter that the agreement has already been finalized, which means Art Charles will be one of the Sharks’ imports for the 2024-2025 season. Consequently, Oswaldo Guillén will have the primary name ready to be his fourth batter and first baseman for the start of the tournament.
Although Charles has defensive experience in the outfield, his size makes him a more suitable option at first base. The player is listed at 1.98 meters tall and weighs 100 kilograms.
AND REGINATTO?
The addition of Art Charles to the Sharks seems to close the door on Leonardo Reginatto. The Brazilian was the starting first baseman for the Sharks last season and had considerable success, but his position now appears precarious.
Reginatto had a batting average of .344 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs in 52 regular-season games. In the semifinals, he hit .302/.387/.358, and in the finals, he hit a home run with three RBIs to cap off a fantastic year.
However, first base will likely be occupied by the American alongside Wilson Garcia. Both players can serve as designated hitters depending on the opposing pitcher’s strategy, so adding another first baseman may not be necessary.
READ ALSO: Alberto González is not retiring: he announces that his last dance will be at the LVBP
It is worth noting that Art Charles will join Leonys Martín as the signed imports by the Sharks for the upcoming season. According to journalist Yusseff Díaz, La Guaira has also secured Miguel Romero and is negotiating with Ariel Miranda. For the 2024-2025 season, each team will be allowed to have six active foreign players.
Photo: PressLions of Yucatan
Art Charles Joins La Guaira Sharks for 2024-2025 Season
The La Guaira Sharks, the reigning champions of the Venezuelan Professional Baseball League (LVBP), have made a significant addition to their roster by signing renowned American slugger Art Charles. This was reported by journalist Yusseff Diaz through his account on X. Charles, who has excelled in the Mexican league, will provide a powerful boost to the Sharks as they prepare for the upcoming season.
Art Charles: A Powerhouse Slugger
At 33 years old, Art Charles is currently one of the league’s most formidable hitters. His impressive performance in Mexico has caught the attention of baseball enthusiasts and scouts alike. During his tenure with the Leones de Yucatán, Charles posted remarkable offensive statistics, including:
- Batting Average: .309
- On-Base Percentage: .465
- Slugging Percentage: .774
- Home Runs: 31
- Doubles: 14
- RBIs: 77 in just 70 games
His staggering slugging percentage and OPS (On-base Plus Slugging) of 1.239 not only led the Mexican Baseball League (LMB) but established Charles as a prominent figure in the sport. With these stats, it is evident that he can significantly impact the Sharks’ lineup for the upcoming season.
Key Details of the Signing
Despite the speculation surrounding the signing, sources have confirmed that the deal has been finalized. This means that Art Charles will be one of the Sharks’ key imports for the 2024-2025 season. Under the managerial prowess of Oswaldo Guillén, Charles is expected to be the fourth bat and primary first baseman for the team, thus enhancing their offensive capabilities.
Although Charles also has experience playing in the outfield, his size—standing at 1.98 meters and weighing 100 kilograms—makes him a more suitable candidate for first base, where he can add both defensive stability and offensive prowess.
What About Leonardo Reginatto?
The arrival of Art Charles may signal a change in strategy for the Sharks, particularly concerning Leonardo Reginatto, who was a standout player for the Sharks last season. Reginatto had an exceptional performance, boasting a batting average of .344 with eight home runs and 46 RBIs in just 52 games. His contributions during the semifinals and finals were crucial to the Sharks’ success.
Nonetheless, with Charles’ signing, the first base position may become competitive, which potentially sidelines Reginatto. In addition to Charles, Wilson Garcia is also in the mix, as both players can alternate as designated hitters depending on the pitching strategy of the game.
Additional Imports signed by the Sharks
Art Charles will not be the only noteworthy import for the Sharks next season. He will join Leonys Martín as part of an exciting roster upgrade. Furthermore, reports indicate that the Sharks also have Miguel Romero signed and are negotiating a deal with Ariel Miranda. With the LVBP allowing each team to have six foreign players active, the Sharks are setting themselves up for a formidable campaign.
Performance Highlights
| Category | Art Charles | Leonardo Reginatto |
|---|---|---|
| Games Played | 70 | 52 |
| Batting Average | .309 | .344 |
| Home Runs | 31 | 8 |
| RBIs | 77 | 46 |
| On-Base Percentage | .465 | – |
| Slugging Percentage | .774 | – |
Looking Ahead to the 2024-2025 Season
As the La Guaira Sharks prepare for the upcoming season, the addition of Art Charles signifies a strategic move to enhance their batting order and overall team performance. With the mixture of established talent like Charles and Reginatto, as well as new imports, the Sharks are on track to become a formidable contender in the LVBP.
Fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how these roster changes affect the team’s dynamics in the next season. With high expectations and robust talent, the La Guaira Sharks are set to make waves once again in Venezuelan professional baseball.
Stay tuned for more updates on player signings and the latest news surrounding La Guaira Sharks as they gear up for the 2024-2025 season!
IT’S ALREADY 3️⃣1️⃣ KING ARTHUR’S HOME RUNNER!👑⚔️ And just like that, Art Charles ties the club record of legend Ray Torres from 1986 for most home runs in a single season with 31📝🦁#SomosLeones pic.twitter.com/nrF1zcCtza
— Lions of Yucatan (@leonesdeyucatan) July 17, 2024
Photo: Press Lions of Yucatan
