Players

24-year-old catcher/designated hitter Michael Quiñones is a first-year Explorer in 2025, bringing a decorated collegiate and amateur resume to Sioux City. A native of Phoenix, Arizona, Quiñones joins the Explorers after a standout career at Ouachita Baptist University and Phoenix College, where he consistently demonstrated offensive firepower and leadership behind the plate.

In 2023, Quiñones was a force for Ouachita, earning All-Great American Conference Second Team honors and a spot on the Natural State Baseball All-Arkansas Team. He started all 55 games, splitting time between catcher and designated hitter, and led the team in doubles with 18. His .346 batting average ranked second on the squad, along with 73 hits, 11 home runs, and 49 RBI. He also posted a .588 slugging percentage and a .426 on-base percentage, drawing 27 walks and showcasing his ability to reach base consistently.

Quiñones was a model of consistency throughout the season, finishing third on the team in multi-hit games (21) and second in multi-RBI games (14). He had five games with three RBI and one with four, including standout performances such as a 4-for-5 outing with a homer against Southern Nazarene and a 4-for-4 game with a home run against Southwestern Oklahoma State. He ended the season on an 11-game hitting streak and was named to the Dugan Collegiate Baseball Invitational All-Tournament Team. Off the field, he earned a spot on the Ouachita Dean’s List in Fall 2022, reflecting his commitment to academics as a Communications and Media major.

Before his time at Ouachita, Quiñones played at Phoenix College, where he was named MVP of the Region Playoffs and helped lead the team to the NJCAA Division II World Series in Enid, Oklahoma in 2022. His clutch performances and leadership were instrumental in Phoenix College’s postseason success.

Quiñones’ baseball journey began at Cesar Chavez High School, where he graduated in 2019 with college credits through the Achieving College Education (ACE) program. He was a two-time Player of the Year in the Phoenix Union High School District and earned First Team All-State honors alongside future MLB players Nolan Gorman and Matthew Liberatore. That same year, he represented Arizona in the 2019 MLB RBI World Series in Vero Beach, Florida, helping showcase his talent on a national stage.Known for his balanced offensive approach, defensive versatility, and leadership qualities, Quiñones adds depth and experience to the Explorers’ roster. With a proven track record at every level, he looks to make an immediate impact in Sioux City and continue building on a career defined by hard work, clutch performances, and a love for the game.