On Sunday, the news broke that former Nationals, Red Sox, and Indians catcher Sandy Leon signed with the Miami Marlins on a minor league deal. The deal is worth $1.25M plus incentives if he makes the major league roster. Leon is likely to serve as the backup catcher to Jorge Alfaro, in which Alfaro is the definite first string.
What the Marlins Are Getting
With Sandy Leon, the Marlins know exactly what they are getting; A well below average bat along with above average defense, who will give you a decent backup catcher. Leon possesses a career slashline of .216/.284/.327 which is quite awful.
Leon spent his first three years in the majors with the Nationals, appearing in just 34 games. Over the course of those years from 2012-2014, he slashed .189/.280/.253 through 107 plate appearances.
Leon then went to Boston for 2015. Leon was not great in 2015, but had a career year in 2016. The catcher had his first full season, and was amazing at the plate in 78 games as a backup, slashing .310/.364/.476. Advanced: 124 wRC+, .362 wOBA.
2017 was not so great for Leon, as he played 85 games at catcher, splitting with Christian Vazquez. Leon finished the season slashing .225/.290/.354.
2018 showed even more regression, although he did get a ring on his hand. It was also by far his best year defensively. He slashed .177/.232/.279 in 89 games.
Leon would start 2019 in AAA, but was called up, and was at least better than 2018, but with Christian Vazquez hitting really well, Vazquez took over as the starting catcher. Leon would only play 65 games, slashing .192/.251/.297. He would not be resigned, and his tenure in Boston would be over.
Leon would be picked up by Cleveland for the 2020 season, and had a brutal year, hitting .136/.296/.242 in 25 games.
What The Marlins are Looking For Out of Leon
Leon is now 31 years old, and we should not see very much at the plate from him, but instead see stellar defense, competing for that backup catcher role behind Alfaro. Now that Cervelli is gone, they need a backup catcher and we should see some legit competition for the role, although Leon looks to be the favorite as long as he can sustain a below average bat. Leon’s only competition is Chad Wallach.