Grizzlies Bring Back Leoni De La Cruz

Gateway adds another all-star arm to pitching staff in advance of spring training 

SAUGET, ILL. - The Gateway Grizzlies announce that they have signed left-handed pitcher Leoni De La Cruz, with the flamethrower returning to the club after a stellar 2024 campaign to further bolster a strong pitching staff.

De La Cruz initially started last season with the Evansville Otters, but struggled over his first 14 appearances. He was then traded to the Tri-City ValleyCats on June 25, but immediately placed on waivers by his new club.

The Grizzlies claimed the southpaw from the Dominican Republic, and he immediately became a force at the back end of the bullpen. With Gateway in 2024, he went 2-1 in 25 games with a 2.08 ERA, 42 strikeouts, 13 walks, and only 13 hits allowed in 26 innings pitched while also going a perfect 14-for-14 in save opportunities.

The 26-year-old also limited opponents to a .143 batting average with the Grizzlies, returning to an All-Star form that he displayed with the Otters in 2023 when he had a 3.24 ERA, 59 strikeouts, and 21 walks in 41 2/3 innings over 39 games. Prior to his time in the Frontier League, De La Cruz pitched two seasons in the Milwaukee Brewers organization.

Stay tuned for player signings, promotions, and more in the coming weeks by following the Grizzlies on social media, and on their website at GatewayGrizzlies.com!

The Gateway Grizzlies are a professional baseball team, located a mere 10 minutes from downtown St. Louis in Sauget, Illinois. The Grizzlies offer baseball fans affordable, family fun at Grizzlies Ballpark with a great view of the St. Louis skyline. They have also won two Frontier League Organization of the Year Awards, four West Division titles, and the 2003 Frontier League Championship. For tickets or general information, please visit gatewaygrizzlies.com or call (618) 337-3000.

The Frontier League debuted in 1993, and is the largest of the Major League Baseball Partner Leagues, featuring teams stretching from the Atlantic Ocean to the Mississippi River, and from the Ohio River to the St. Lawrence Seaway. More information and the complete 2025 schedule can be found at frontierleague.com.