The Caribbean Professional Baseball Confederation (CBPC) issued today its final ruling on the dispute surrounding veteran Dominican Robinson Canó, determining that he will play with the Tomateros de Culiacán in Mexico for the 2026‑27 season.
Firm decision after appeal period expired
The body issued its ruling in favor of the Mexican club and against the Estrellas Orientales of the Dominican Republic Professional Baseball League (LIDOM). The 48‑hour window to appeal has already expired, leaving the ruling final.
Context of the dispute
Last May the Tomateros announced the signing of Canó for the Mexican Pacific ARCO League. The dispute arose over LIDOM’s free‑agency rules, which require that a non‑retained, free player may play in another CBPC league only if his Dominican team does not offer at least 75 % of his previous salary.
The Estrellas Orientales, led by Albert Pujols, claimed to have presented a “good” offer to Canó, without confirming whether it met the 75 % requirement. They also did not receive an official notification from LIDOM about Canó’s signing with a foreign team, which kept uncertainty in the country.
Implications for the winter season
With the CBPC’s decision, Canó will not join the Estrellas Orientales roster and will be forced to wear the Tomateros jersey during the Mexican campaign. The ruling concludes one of the most controversial topics in Caribbean baseball as the winter seasons approach.
Source credits: deultimominuto.com
