Lidom: Licey finalize coaching staff for Gilbert Gómez

The Tigres del Licey have assembled the coaching staff that will accompany manager Gilbert Gómez in the 2025-26 Dominican Professional Baseball League season, bringing back familiar figures and adding new specialists.

Wellington Cepeda will return to Licey as bench coach. He previously served as the club’s pitching coach in the 2016-17 and 2017-18 seasons, helping the team win a championship. Cepeda currently works as a bullpen instructor for the Arizona Diamondbacks in Major League Baseball.

Carlos Lugo will handle game planning after working as Licey’s quality-control coach last season. Lugo currently manages Fayetteville, a Class A affiliate of the Houston Astros, for whom he is completing his 13th season. Gerardo Casadiego will continue as pitching coach, while César Cabral will remain assistant pitching coach for a third straight year.

Alexis Candelario joins the pitching staff as bullpen coach after working with the Estrellas Orientales and the Texas Rangers’ Dominican Summer League team. Cuban coach Josué Pérez becomes hitting coach after three seasons in that role with Estrellas Orientales. José Umbría will serve as his assistant for a fifth consecutive season.

Fidel Peña moves into the quality-control role after coaching first base and the infield last season. Luis Rivera will coach the infield and third base. The club’s announcement also highlights the staff’s links to organizations including the Diamondbacks, Astros, Yankees, Phillies, Brewers and Mariners.