Former San Francisco Giant Wilmer Flores and the author Amaury Pi Gonzalez at Oracle Park in San Francisco after being honored by the Major League Baseball Hispanic Heritage Hall of Fame Museum (photo from Amaury Pi Gonzalez)

Now playing for the Toros de Tijuana, Wilmer Flores

That’s Amaury News and Commentary

By Amaury Pi-González

Do not expect to see Wilmer Flores in a Giants uniform this Wednesday at Oracle Park, as the Giants open the 2026 season against the New York Yankees.

Wilmer Flores played for 13 years in the Major Leagues, the last five with the San Francisco Giants, but a series of changes this offseason, as the Giants acquired Luis Arraez, and also pivoted toward younger players, like Bruce Eldridge, plus veteran Rafael Devers playing every day in the infield, limited the options for Flores.

Although, as of today, the contract of Flores with the Toros de Tijuana of the Mexican League has not been made available, they tend to be much lower than those in the US Major Leagues. Wilmer Flores with the Giants 2023 to 2025, signed a 3-year $16.5 million extension ($6.5 in 2023, $6.5 in 2024, and $3.5 million player option for 2025.

The San Francisco Giants did not retain the Venezuelan fan-favorite infielder Wilmer Flores. Last season, Flores hit for .241 with 16 home runs and 71 runs batted in. Because he is a proven major league talent, the potential is for a large salary, but not close to these major league contracts.

Where Flores will play. La Liga Mexicana de Béisbol (The Mexican Baseball League) comprises 20 teams, divided into 10 in the North Zone and 10 in the South Zone. playing a total of 93 games, the season begins in April and ends in September, the championship is named “La Serie del Rey” (The King’s Series), which consists of the best of 7 games. If compared to the US Professional Baseball Leagues, the Liga Mexicana is at a US Triple-A level.

On September 16, 2022, the Hispanic Heritage Baseball Museum and Hall of Fame presented Wilmer Flores with the José Uribe Award. The award honored character and sportsmanship, with a ceremony held at Oracle Park prior to the Giants game.I had the honor to present to him on behalf of the HHBM.

Liga Mexicana de Béisbol titles. Top two winners:

Diablos Rojos de México 18 titles—-Tigres de Quintana Roo (12)— Among other teams,—The Toros de Tijuana 2 Titles—

Quote: If you’re not practicing, somebody else is, somewhere, and he’ll be ready to take your job.” — Brooks Robinson (The ultimate minor league grind quote

Amaury Pi-Gonzalez – Cuban-born Pi-González is one of the pioneers of Spanish-language baseball play-by-play in America. Began as Oakland A’s Spanish-language voice in 1977 ending in 2024 (interrupted by stops with the Giants, Mariners and Angels). Voice of the Golden State Warriors from 1992 through 1998. 2010 inducted in the Bay Area Radio Hall of fame.

While in the Bay Area, great food and great prices. 998cuba.com