Kansas City Royals sign veteran catcher Sandy León to minor-league contract
The Kansas City Royals signed veteran catcher Sandy León to a minor-league deal on Wednesday.
León, 34, receives an invitation to spring training after spending the 2023 season with the Texas Rangers and Cleveland Guardians. The 12-year MLB veteran also won a 2018 World Series ring with the Boston Red Sox.
León hit .146 in 22 games with the Rangers. He signed a minor-league contract with the Guardians in July. He appeared in 16 games with the Cleveland’s Triple-A affiliate, the Columbus Clippers.
The Royals are set to open camp with eight catchers. Veterans Salvador Perez and Freddy Fermin are entrenched on the 40-man roster, while Tyler Cropley, Rodolfo Duran, Carter Jensen, Logan Porter and Luca Tresh are non-roster invitees.
León will provide additional depth this spring. He has caught 518 major-league games and recorded a .994 career fielding percentage.
The Royals have added multiple major-league veterans this offseason. They signed pitchers Seth Lugo, Michael Wacha, Chris Stratton and Will Smith in free agency. They also signed outfielder Hunter Renfroe and utilityman Garrett Hampson.
Additionally, the Royals acquired Nick Anderson and Kyle Wright in separate trades with the Atlanta Braves.
León stands out as a defensive catcher. He has recorded 33 defensive runs saved and a 29.0 caught-stealing percentage during his career. That wealth of experience should benefit several Royals pitchers during camp.
The Royals head to spring training in February. The first workout for pitchers and catchers is scheduled for Feb. 14. The Royals’ first full-squad workout is scheduled for Feb. 19.
