Red Sox Trade Catcher Sandy Leon to Indians for RHP Adenys Bautista
By Karl Rasmussen
The Boston Red Sox have long been trying to offload catcher Sandy Leon, with their efforts dating back to before the 2019 campaign.
Well, at long last, a deal has been made.
The Red Sox have finally found a trade partner for the veteran backstop, as Leon will be heading to Cleveland in exchange for right-handed pitcher Adenys Bautista.
Per team the Red Sox have traded catcher Sandy León to the Cleveland Indians for minor league RHP Adenys Bautista. Sox 40-man roster at 37.
— Steve Buckley (@BuckinBoston) December 2, 2019
Leon fell out of favor in Boston, which prefers to deploy Christian Vazquez behind the plate, and as a result he was placed on the trade block. However, there was minimal interest in the 30-year-old catcher.
In 2019, Leon featured in 65 games, posting a slash line of .192/.251/.297 with 5 homers and 19 RBI.
Rather than non-tender Sandy Leon, the Red Sox have traded him to Cleveland for right-hander Adenys Bautista, a 21-year-old with a lot of walks in the very low minors. Not much of a return, which is what you'd expect for such an obvious non-tender candidate.
— Chad Jennings (@chadjennings22) December 2, 2019
Bautista hasn't exactly impressed in the minor leagues throughout his career. Across 27 total relief appearances in the minors across two seasons, split between the Dominican Summer League and Arizona Fall League, the 21-year-old hurler has posted a 5.68 ERA and a worrisome 1.79 WHIP.