Albert Abreu is a 31-year-old Dominican right-hander who has spent his career moving between the big leagues and Caribbean winter ball. Born in Guayubín, in the province of Montecristi, he made his MLB debut on August 8, 2020 with the New York Yankees — and he’s been grinding ever since. Right now he’s suiting up for the Tigres del Licey in LIDOM, and the early returns in 2026-27 are hard to ignore.
Quick Facts
- Full name: Albert Abreu
- Position: Pitcher
- Team: Tigres del Licey
- Number: 54
- Bats / Throws: Right / Right
- Height / Weight: 6’2″ / 190 lbs
- Born: September 26, 1995 — Guayubín, Dominican Republic
- MLB Debut: August 8, 2020
Background
Abreu grew up in Guayubín, a small town in Montecristi, and followed the well-worn path of Dominican talent through the academy system before reaching professional ball in the United States. He broke into the majors as a reliever with the Yankees and spent several years trying to carve out a permanent roster spot — without ever fully locking one down.
MLB Career
Abreu’s time in New York was a mixed bag of flashes and frustration. In 2022 he split time across two stints: one covering 25.2 innings with a 3.16 ERA, 26 strikeouts, and a 1.21 WHIP, and another where he logged 38.2 innings with a 3.26 ERA, 38 strikeouts, and a 1.47 WHIP — actually showing better command in the second stretch. Then came 2023, his most extended MLB look: 59.0 innings, a 4.73 ERA, 61 strikeouts, and a 1.47 WHIP, finishing 2-2. The consistency just wasn’t there, and it became clear he needed a reset.
Winter Ball with Licey
Abreu has been a regular piece of the Tigres del Licey bullpen in LIDOM, and his numbers tell the story of a pitcher finding his footing again:
- 2024-25: 6 appearances, 22.2 IP, 3.18 ERA, 15 strikeouts
- 2025-26: 9 games, 42.0 IP, 4.93 ERA, 31 strikeouts — a tough stretch, going 2-5
- 2026-27: 2 appearances, 10.0 IP, 0.90 ERA, 14 strikeouts
That 2026-27 line is the one that stands out. Fourteen strikeouts in just ten innings with a sub-1.00 ERA is the kind of start that gets a pitcher talked about. Abreu looks sharper and more locked-in than he has in years, and he’s become one of Licey’s most valuable arms this winter.
MLB Stats at a Glance
- 2023 — Yankees: 59.0 IP | 4.73 ERA | 61 K | 1.47 WHIP | 2-2
- 2022 — Yankees: 38.2 IP | 3.26 ERA | 38 K | 1.47 WHIP
- 2022 — Yankees: 25.2 IP | 3.16 ERA | 26 K | 1.21 WHIP
One Thing Worth Noting
Abreu is a prime example of how Dominican players with MLB experience keep coming home to compete in LIDOM — not just to stay in shape, but because the league means something to them. His commitment to the Tigres del Licey through the ups and downs of his career says plenty about that connection.
