Jadher Areinamo: Rising Star’s Dominant LVBP Season Fuels Major League Dreams
Table of Contents
A breakout performance in the Venezuelan Winter League has dramatically shifted the scouting report on 22-year-old infielder Jadher Areinamo, potentially accelerating his path to the Major Leagues.
Areinamo has emerged as one of only three players in the history of the Liga Venezolana de Béisbol Profesional (LVBP) to hit at least 13 home runs during a rookie season, according to data compiled by Binary Ball, excluding his November 30th contest against Magallanes. This impressive feat places him in esteemed company alongside Ernesto Mejía (14 home runs in 2009-2010) and Maximiliano Ramírez (15 home runs in 2008-2009).
The young player’s power surge is particularly noteworthy given his previous minor league statistics. Over five campaigns, Areinamo recorded 30 home runs in 1,731 at-bats across 457 games – a rate of one home run every 58 at-bats. However, his performance with the Tiburones de La Guaira showcased a remarkable transformation, boasting a home run frequency of one every 11 at-bats (13 home runs in 143 at-bats). He nearly matched his entire minor league home run total while playing for La Guaira.
“I really didn’t expect to hit so many home runs, that’s something I always say,” Areinamo recalled in an interview with Venevision. “But I always work to make sure things go well on the field. Thank God things are going well.”
A Proud Opportunity Alongside MLB Stars
Areinamo expressed immense pride in the opportunity to share the field with established Major League players Maikel García and Ronald Acuña Jr. The two Sabanero stars joined the La Guaira roster in the seventh week of the season, and Areinamo was able to learn from them over the weekend. “It has been a great opportunity to be in the same dugout as them,” he said. “They have told me to continue doing everything as always and you will see the results. I try to listen and learn.”
His ultimate goal remains clear: to play in the Majors, ideally with the Tampa Bay Rays. “In 2026 I want to reach the Major Leagues and thus fulfill my dream,” he stated.
A Potential Award-Winning Season
Areinamo’s stellar performance has positioned him as a frontrunner for both the LVBP Rookie of the Year award and the prestigious Víctor Davalillo Award for Most Valuable Player. His offensive line of .364/.420/.692 (143-52), including six doubles, a triple, 13 home runs, 44 RBIs, and a 1.112 OPS in 36 games, speaks volumes.
Furthermore, his 44 RBIs rank him as only the fourth rookie in LVBP history to achieve 40 or more RBIs in a single season, joining Maximiliano Ramirez (53, 2008-2009), Luis Matos (41, 2024-2025), and Ernesto Mejia (41, 2009-2010).
Looking Ahead: Spring Training and Beyond
Areinamo is currently one of seven infielders on the Tampa Bay Rays’ 40-man roster and intends to impress the team’s coaching staff during the upcoming MLB Spring Training. However, he may face a temporary departure from Venezuela to address immigration procedures by 2026. Despite this, he remains hopeful about a potential return to the Sharks, stating, “If [the Rays] give me permission to return, I am willing to come sweat my shirt with my team.”
Jadher Areinamo’s remarkable 2025-2026 season has undeniably established him as a rising star, and his dedication and talent suggest a bright future in professional baseball.
