Colombian Natives Sign with RailCats
The Gary SouthShore RailCats have agreed on deals with Colombian natives, Jesus Marriaga and Guillermo Quintana.
Marriaga is a 25-year-old outfielder that signed as an international free agent with the Arizona Diamondbacks in 2016, the same year he made his professional debut. In 2021, the speedster became a member of the RailCats and stood out when he swiped 19 bases without getting caught.
“Jesus was arguably the best centerfielder in the league last season leading our Cats team in almost every offensive category,” said manager Lamarr Rogers. “I believe his all-around physical ability and talent deserve an opportunity to return to an MLB affiliate. He also emerged as a team leader late during the 2023 season. I think Jesus is now understanding his role with the team and I look for him to continue that leadership and to build on last season. I’m very happy to welcome “Zeus” back to our RailCats team!”
Last season, Marriaga racked up 22 doubles, with five triples, and nine home runs. This upcoming season will be his fourth in Gary, in the first three seasons he has played in 249 games where he stolen 68 bases, batted a .290 average, and smacked 50 two-baggers.
Quintana is a catcher and will be 23 years old when the season starts in May. In 2018, the backstop played his first professional season as a member of the Kansas City Royals organization. He played his first full season in 2022 and led the team in hits that year.
“Guillermo joins our RailCats team after posting solid offensive and defensive numbers during his first season in the American Association. He also provides roster versatility as both a catcher and first base. During the 2023 season he developed a reputation for his towering homeruns and gritty two strike clutch hits.”
In last year’s campaign, Quintana was featured in 80 games with Cleburne. Within those 80 games, he finished with ten round trippers, a solid .277 batting average, and an .817 OPS.
The RailCats 2024 season begins at the Steel Yard on Friday, May 17 vs Lake Country. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2024 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing [email protected]