The Gary SouthShore RailCats have agreed to terms with infielder Miguelangel Sierra and outfielder Carlos Machado.
Sierra is primarily a shortstop but has shown the ability to also play third base. The 26-year-old was signed out of Venezuela by the Houston Astros in 2014. A couple years later he would be managed by RailCats current manager, Lamarr Rogers. Sierra made his way to Gary last year and starred in the last nine games. He finished with a .281 average, a .343 on-base percentage, and notched a hit in six of his last seven games.
“Miguelangel was one of the top defensive shortstops in the American Association last season and provides reliability and experience up the middle,” said manager Lamarr Rogers. “I’m familiar with his overall potential as a player from our time together in the Houston Astros organization where he was a top 10 organizational prospect. In his limited time with the RailCats at the end of 2023 season, it was clear he was developing a good rapport with teams hitting coach Ramon Ortiz and improving his game plan at the plate. I’ll be looking for “Miggy” to put it all together and live up to his full potential during the 2024 season!”
Carlos Machado is a 25-year-old who also hails from Venezuela. He signed his first professional contract in 2014 with the Astros and made his debut in 2015. Machado made it as far as Triple-A Sugar Land, he played in 259 games in the Houston farm system and had a strong .293 batting average. The last couple of seasons he was in the Frontier League with the Tri-City ValleyCats.
“Machado is a career .290+ hitter over several levels during his time in the Houston Astros organization,” said Rogers. “Spending last season playing in Venezuela, he is now hitting for power along with the average. He also provides flexibility in the outfield with the ability to play all three positions. Motivated to return to an MLB affiliate, Carlos is excited and appreciative of his opportunity with our organization, and I look forward to seeing the player he’s become since his/our time in Houston.”
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 info@railcatsbaseball.com
