The Red Sox said all along they weren't prepared to carry three catchers on their Opening Day roster as was the case last season. Sunday we found out who the odd man out would be.
As was first reported by Evan Drellich, the Red Sox have put Sandy Leon on waivers.
Because of Leon's current contract -- he will make $2.475 in 2019 -- it is unlikely the catcher will be claimed. If no team commits to Leon during the waiver process he will have the option of either joining Triple-A Pawtucket or be granted his outright release.
Besides Leon's deal, the other roadblock in finding a home for the 29-year-old was his offensive limitations. He was never able to duplicate the success at the plate from 2016, when the switch-hitter managed a .310 batting average and .845 OPS. Last season Leon hit just .177 with a .511 OPS.
Leon still saw action in 89 games thanks in large part to his work with starting pitchers such as Chris Sale, Rick Porcello and David Price.
The move leaves Christian Vazquez and Blake Swihart as the Sox' two catchers, with the team choosing to carry 13 pitchers until Dustin Pedroia makes his planned return April 9.




