Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon clears waivers, could remain in organization
The Red Sox still could preserve their depth at catcher after Sandy Leon went unclaimed on waivers.
Mar 15, 2019; Tampa, FL, USA; Boston Red Sox designated hitter Sandy Leon (3) works out prior to the game at George M. Steinbrenner Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Kim Klement/USA TODAY SportsBy Matt McCarthy, 985TheSportsHub.com
Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon went unclaimed in the waiver process, meaning he could stay in the organization entering the 2019 season.
Leon has 48 hours to decide to accept the assignment to Pawtucket or opt for free agency.
The team placed Leon on waivers earlier this week after committing themselves to keeping only two catchers on their 25 man roster this year.
The decision to waive Leon represents a commitment to now-backup catcher Blake Swihart, who has just under 600 MLB plate appearances over parts of four seasons and appeared at six different positions for the Red Sox last season.
Leon, a strong defensive catcher and the preferred backstop for a number of Red Sox pitchers, almost certainly will be called upon in the event Swihart or starting catcher Christian Vazquez get hurt this season, if he chooses to accept his minor league assignment.
Leon is owed $2.5 million this season and batted .177 with a .511 OPS in 2018.
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