Vimael Machín

Vimael Machín Soto Bio

Vimael Machín Soto (born September 25, 1993) is a Puerto Rican professional baseball infielder currently in the Colorado Rockies organization. He has previously played in Major League Baseball (MLB) for the Oakland Athletics and Baltimore Orioles. Known for his defensive versatility in the infield, Machín has spent over a decade developing through professional baseball systems across the United States, Mexico, and his native Puerto Rico.

Early Life and Background

Machín was born in Gurabo, Puerto Rico. He attended Puerto Rico Baseball Academy and High School, where he developed his skills as a baseball player. His performance at the academy attracted attention from Major League Baseball scouts. He was drafted by the San Diego Padres in the 29th round of the 2011 MLB draft but chose not to sign, instead pursuing college baseball.

After high school, Machín enrolled at Virginia Commonwealth University, where he played four seasons of college baseball for the VCU Rams. His collegiate career helped refine his defensive abilities and offensive approach. During the summer of 2014, he continued developing his game by playing in the New England Collegiate Baseball League with the Danbury Westerners and in the Cape Cod Baseball League with the Bourne Braves.

Path to Professional Baseball

Following his senior season at Virginia Commonwealth University in 2015, Machín entered the MLB draft. The Chicago Cubs selected him in the 10th round, and he signed with the organization. He began his professional career that same year, splitting time between the Eugene Emeralds and South Bend Cubs in the lower levels of the minor leagues.

Machín steadily climbed the minor league ladder over the next several seasons. He played for various Cubs affiliates including the Myrtle Beach Pelicans, Tennessee Smokies, and Iowa Cubs. His most productive minor league season came in 2019 with Triple-A Iowa, where he hit .295 with 7 home runs and 62 RBI, demonstrating his ability to compete at the highest minor league level.

Vimael Machín Soto Career

Oakland Athletics (2020–2022)

Machín was selected by the Philadelphia Phillies in the 2019 Rule 5 draft and immediately traded to the Oakland Athletics for cash considerations. He made his Major League Baseball debut on July 26, 2020, against the Los Angeles Angels, going hitless in three at-bats. In his rookie season, he appeared in 24 games and slashed .206/.296/.238 with no home runs or RBIs.

The 2021 season proved challenging for Machín, as he played in only 15 games for Oakland, collecting four hits in 32 at-bats. He spent much of the season with Triple-A Las Vegas, where he excelled at the plate, hitting .295 with 11 home runs and 58 RBIs in 89 games. In 2022, he earned another opportunity with the Athletics and secured his first career home run on July 10 against Houston Astros reliever Phil Maton. That game marked his first multi-hit performance as he went 2-for-4. Overall, he appeared in 73 games for Oakland that season, posting a .220 batting average with one home run and a career-high 13 RBIs.

Minor League Journey (2023–2024)

Following his time with Oakland, Machín signed a minor league contract with the Philadelphia Phillies in January 2023. He played 52 games for Triple-A Lehigh Valley IronPigs, hitting .235 with 4 home runs and 21 RBIs before his release in June. He quickly found a new opportunity, signing with the Mariachis de Guadalajara of the Mexican League in June 2023. In 40 games with Guadalajara, he batted .338 with 4 home runs and 21 RBIs.

In April 2024, Machín joined the Charros de Jalisco, also in the Mexican League. He delivered an exceptional season, appearing in 85 games and slashing .401/.495/.579 with 7 home runs, 54 RBIs, and 10 stolen bases. This performance showcased his offensive capabilities and helped him earn another opportunity in MLB.

Baltimore Orioles (2025)

On November 11, 2024, Machín signed a minor league contract with the Baltimore Orioles organization. He began the 2025 season with the Triple-A Norfolk Tides and performed well, making 107 appearances while batting .285/.344/.470 with 15 home runs, 70 RBIs, and 13 stolen bases. His strong minor league production earned him a promotion to the major leagues, as the Orioles selected his contract on August 22, 2025.

Machín appeared in four games for Baltimore, going 1-for-11 with one home run, one RBI, and one walk. He was designated for assignment following the promotion of Emmanuel Rivera on August 27, cleared waivers, and was sent outright to Triple-A Norfolk on August 29. He elected free agency on September 29, 2025.

Colorado Rockies (2025–Present)

Following his stint with the Orioles, Machín signed a minor league contract with the Colorado Rockies on December 21, 2025. He joined an organization seeking to strengthen its infield depth and provide veteran experience in their minor league system.

Defensive Versatility and Strengths

Machín has established himself as a versatile infielder capable of playing multiple positions. His defensive flexibility has helped him remain valuable to various organizations throughout his career. He has shown the ability to contribute offensively while providing solid defense at key positions.

Notable Milestones

His most significant career milestone came on July 10, 2022, when he hit his first Major League home run for the Oakland Athletics against Houston Astros reliever Phil Maton. That game also marked his first multi-hit performance at the MLB level. His 2019 season with Triple-A Iowa and his standout 2024 campaign with Charros de Jalisco represent other highlights in his professional journey.

Vimael Machín Soto Career Performance

Throughout his professional career spanning from 2015 through 2025, Machín has accumulated MLB statistics including a .204 batting average, 2 home runs, and 15 RBIs across parts of four major league seasons. His most extensive MLB action came with the Oakland Athletics from 2020 to 2022, where he appeared in 112 games. His strongest offensive output at the Triple-A level came during his 2024 season with Charros de Jalisco in the Mexican League, where he hit .401 in 85 games.

Vimael Machín Soto Personal Life

Machín continues to maintain connections to his Puerto Rican roots through his participation in winter baseball. Since 2018, he has played for Criollos de Caguas in Puerto Rico’s winter league, one of the most prestigious winter baseball programs in the Caribbean. This involvement demonstrates his ongoing commitment to developing his skills and giving back to the baseball community in his home country.

2025 Season Performance

The 2025 season represented a significant chapter in Machín’s career as he split time between Triple-A and the Major Leagues. His strong performance with Norfolk Tides to start the season, where he hit 15 home runs and drove in 70 runs in 107 games, demonstrated his continued ability to produce at the Triple-A level. His mid-season promotion to Baltimore on August 22 provided another opportunity at the MLB level.

His brief stint with the Orioles produced limited results in four games, but the season as a whole reinforced his value as a professional hitter capable of contributing at the minor league level. The opportunity to sign with Colorado in December provided a new start and another chance to compete for an MLB roster spot in 2026.