Erick Leal
Erick Alejandro Leal is a Venezuelan professional baseball pitcher for the Fubon Guardians of the Chinese Professional Baseball League. He was selected to the Venezuela national baseball team at the 2023 World Baseball Classic.
Professional career
Arizona Diamondbacks
On September 14, 2011, Leal signed with the Arizona Diamondbacks organization as an international free agent. He made his professional debut with the Dominican Summer League Diamondbacks, working to a 2.44 earned run average in 2012.Chicago Cubs
On February 18, 2013, Leal and Jesús Castillo were traded to the Chicago Cubs in exchange for Tony Campana. In 2013, he played for the Arizona League Cubs, working to a 2.77 ERA and 52 strikeouts over 13 games. Promoted to the Low-A Boise Hawks the next year, Leal posted a 3.73 ERA and 31 strikeouts in 13 games. In 2015, he was promoted again to the Single-A South Bend Cubs, registering a 10-8 record and 3.85 ERA with 86 strikeouts across innings pitched. In 2016, Leal played with the AZLCubs and High-A Myrtle Beach Pelicans, compiling an 11-4 record and 3.13 ERA with 71 strikeouts over innings of work.
Leal underwent Tommy John surgery after the 2016 season, missing all of the 2017 and the first month of the 2018 season. He returned to High-A Myrtle Beach, posting a 1.41 ERA and 61 strikeouts over 21 games. Leal split 2019 between Myrtle Beach and the Double-A Tennessee Smokies, where he posted a combined 4-6 record and 5.21 ERA with 87 strikeouts in 17 games. Leal elected free agency following the season on November 4, 2019.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes
On February 25, 2021, Leal signed with the Rieleros de Aguascalientes of the Mexican League. Over innings pitched in 12 games, he logged a 3-3 record and 5.93 ERA with 66 strikeouts. Leal returned to the Rieleros the following year, recording an improved 3.50 ERA with 100 strikeouts in 90 innings pitched across 17 starts, being named a North Division All-Star.In 2023, Leal regressed slightly, posting a 2-3 record and 4.56 ERA with 49 strikeouts in innings pitched across 10 starts.