The Boston Red Sox are still making moves this offseason and their latest addition is a familiar name to baseball fans. On Tuesday they signed José De León, a 32 year old righty and former Los Angeles Dodgers top prospect to a minor league deal. This low risk, high reward signing adds depth to the Sox’s pitching staff and gives De León another shot to get his career back on track. Here’s what you need to know.
Who is José De León?
José De León was once one of the best pitching prospects in baseball. Drafted by the Dodgers in the 24th round of the 2013 MLB Draft he quickly rose through the ranks and was the Dodgers’ #3 prospect. But his career hasn’t gone as planned at the major league level.
- MLB Career: De León has appeared in 34 games across six seasons with the Dodgers, Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and Minnesota Twins.
- Minor League Deal: The Red Sox are giving him a chance to see if he still has some left in the tank.
Why the Red Sox Signed José De León?
Boston’s front office has been busy this offseason, especially on the pitching side. After landing Alex Bregman , they’ve been adding depth and building a competitive roster for the division.
What De León Brings to the Table
- Experience: 6 years of MLB experience, he’s a veteran and has seen big league ball.
- Upside: At his best, De León has shown dominance, 2.61 ERA and 10.5 K/9 in 5 minor league seasons.
- Depth: The Red Sox have been adding arms to the system and De León is organizational depth that could be useful if needed.
For a minor league deal, this is a low risk, high reward. If De León can get back to form he could contribute at the big league level or be a reliable arm in Triple-A.
Red Sox Are Going All In
Since Spring Training started the Red Sox have been one of the most active teams in baseball. After signing big name free agents Garrett Crochet and Walker Buehler , they’ve been adding to the big league roster and the farm system.
Some other moves:
- Alex Bregman: A key addition to the lineup, power and versatility.
- Adam Ottavino: Bullpen depth with a proven veteran.
- Matt Moore: Lefty with major league success.
- Trayce Thompson: Outfielder who’s looked good in Spring Training.
De León fits right in with the Red Sox strategy of leaving no stone unturned.