IBL's London Majors sign Payano

The Intercounty Baseball League’s London Majors have signed left-hander Victor Payano, who has 10 years of experience in the affiliated pro ranks in the Texas Rangers, Miami Marlins and Cincinnati Reds organizations. Photo: London Majors

April 4, 2024

Official London Majors News Release

The London Majors are pleased to announce the signing of pitcher Victor Payano, a 31-year-old left-hander who spent 10 seasons in affiliated pro ball with three different Major League organizations, reaching as high as triple-A.

Payano brings an impressive resume to London this summer, which includes racking up over 700 strikeouts during his minor-league career with the Texas Rangers (seven seasons), Miami Marlins (one season) and Cincinnati Reds (two seasons).

A 6-foot-5, 185-pound left-hander, Payano hails from San Juan de la Maguana, Dominican Republic. He began his career back in 2010 as a 17-year-old in the Rangers organization. By 2015, he’d made 102 starts in the minors and reached double-A Frisco.

At that level in 2016, he went 7-6 with a 4.05 ERA and 96 strikeouts in 100 innings and earned a call-up to triple-A Round Rock, where he appeared in six games (four starts) to close out the season. He reached triple-A again in 2017 with the Marlins. Serving as a reliever, he enjoyed arguably his best season, posting a 3.42 ERA with 59 strikeouts in 52 2/3 innings in the hitter-friendly Pacific Coast League.

He joined the Reds organization for 2018 and 2019 but, like many others, saw his career stall during the COVID-canceled 2020 minor league season.

“Victor is a proven pitcher with lots of pro experience at some of the highest levels,” said Roop Chanderdat, the Majors’ GM and field manager. “He’s a tough left-hander who we are looking to be a big game pitcher for us. He brings both talent and experience to our team.”

It’s expected that Payano will join Jose Arias as a second import starting pitcher for the Majors this summer, giving London a solid 1-2 punch against the best lineups in the IBL this season.

“I am pumped to play for coach Chanderdat and continue my pitching career with the London Majors this season,” said Payano. “I will give 100% and expect my teammates to match that energy so we can end the 2024 season as champions.”