Former Cuban League Star Pedro Leon Expected to Sign With Astros in July

The Houston Astros just managed to complete as good of a signing as a club can make at this stage in the offseason.

Cuban League sensation Pedro Leon, who defected from the country last October in pursuit of a career in the MLB has reportedly been granted that opportunity by Houston.

ESPN's Jeff Passan reported on Thursday night that the Astros are expected to sign the 22-year-old outfielder to a $4 million contract once the new period for signing international players opens on July 2.

OF Pedro Leon, who dominated Cuba’s Serie Nacional in 2018 before defecting, is expected to sign with the Houston Astros for around $4M when a new international signing period opens July 2, sources tell @kileymcd and me. Leon, 22, would be one of the class’ highest-paid players.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) February 7, 2020

Leon has been an absolute monster in Cuba's Serie Nacional. In 2018, he set a record by clobbering 15 home runs in just 33 games during the National Series.

What makes the budding star more valuable is his versatility on defense as he's more than comfortable playing all outfield positions. Given the Astros depth in the OF, that will only help him achieve more run in the lineup.

Some big, confirmed 2020 international signing news from Jeff & I. This rumor has been hot and heavy with scouts since yesterday's workout. There's a number of Cuban players on the market with seven figure talent and they're all expected to sign on July 2nd 2020 when pools reset. https://t.co/Ay6T85kX4e
— Kiley McDaniel (@kileymcd) February 7, 2020

Given Leon's talent, we'd expect that $4 million sum to be among the highest in the 2020 international class.