Texas Rangers Release Journeyman Catcher

The Texas Rangers have announced that they have released Sandy Leon, a veteran catcher who was a non-roster invitee to their spring training camp.

The Rangers had signed Leon to a minor-league deal in January.

The Texas Rangers today announced that the club has released C Sandy León from his minor league contract.

— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) March 27, 2023

The move suggests that the Rangers are content with their current catching tandem of Jonah Heim and Mitch Garver, with Heim expected to receive the majority of playing time and Garver serving as the designated hitter when he is not playing behind the plate.

The team also has another promising catcher, Sam Huff, waiting in Triple-A Round Rock.

Despite being a 10-year veteran with a lifetime batting average of .210, the experienced backstop is primarily considered to be a potential emergency option for teams in need of catching depth.

Sandy Leon - 05/07/2017 pic.twitter.com/Z2SJaCdoMZ

— Random Homers (@randomhomers) March 27, 2023

Even if he finds a spot on an MLB team during the 2023 season, he is unlikely to be anything more than a backup catcher.

Last season, split between the Cleveland Guardians and the Minnesota Twins, Leon slashed a poor .169/.298/.211, with four RBIs and six runs scored over 33 games.

The thirty-three-year-old is entering his 12th major league season. The well-traveled catcher has spent time with the Washington Nationals, Boston Red Sox, Cleveland Guardians, Miami Marlins and the Twins.
Photo Credit:  Gary A. Vasquez-USA TODAY Sports