The Leones de Ponce announced the signing of veteran MLB third baseman Nolan Arenado for the 2026-27 season of the Liga de Béisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente (LBPRC). The team confirmed the deal via social media with a video showing general manager Joey Solá receiving a phone call from a contact labeled "3B Team Rubio," a nod to Arenado.
Arenado then appeared in the video greeting Puerto Rico and confirming he had signed with the Leones for the upcoming winter season. He is quoted saying he is proud and excited, adding "we'll see what happens this offseason." Arenado, 35, currently plays for the Arizona Diamondbacks, where he is batting .238 with 21 home runs and 65 RBIs this season.
He is a nine-time MLB All-Star and 10-time Gold Glove winner, and recently made his debut with Puerto Rico's national team at the World Baseball Classic this past spring. The article notes his arrival would be one of Ponce's top acquisitions ahead of next season, adding major-league experience as the team seeks to strengthen its lineup and compete for the LBPRC championship.