Twins Acquire Catcher Sandy Leon from Guardians

[Ted Schwerzler]

Needing catching help after Ryan Jeffers found himself on the injured list due to a fractured thumb, the Minnesota Twins had a new addition to their shopping list. Trading within the division, they got a partner for Gary Sanchez in the form of veteran Sandy Leon.

 

 

It’s often thought that teams don’t match up with foes from within the division, especially considering how closely the Cleveland Guardians are in contention with the Minnesota Twins. Sandy Leon has been at Triple-A for the majority of this season, however, playing just eight games at the Major League level.

 

An 11-year veteran, Leon is a light hitting backstop owning just a .595 career OPS. He hasn’t batted above the Mendoza Line since 2017 with the Boston Red Sox, but he’s been a capable defender behind the dish. Given the inexperience brought with Caleb Hamilton, and Sanchez’s inability to control the position defensively, this is a move that acts as an insurance policy until the return of Jeffers.

In acquiring Leon, Minnesota decided to part with minor league reliever Ian Hamilton. Signed in 2021 after spending time with the Chicago White Sox, Hamilton is a hard thrower that’s struggled with command and worked to build his way back following a serious car accident in 2019. Hamilton has posted a very strong 1.88 ERA at Triple-A this year, but it’s turned into just 2 2/3 innings of opportunity at the highest level.

Given Hamilton’s 11.3 K/9 and 2.5 BB/9, it seemed he could be someone that Minnesota may opt to select at some point down the stretch. Knowing the Twins bullpen needs help, Hamilton has shown flashes that probably could’ve been explored. Still, trading for another need in-depth behind the plate, this is the type of low-risk move that gets it done.

There’s still just about an hour until the 2022 Major League Baseball trade deadline passes, and it remains to be seen if Minnesota is done for the day. Adding three pieces across three separate trades, the front office has put in some substantial work to supplement a group leading the American League Central division.

 

View full article

[bighat]

Cool.

[2wins87]

Finally, the blockbuster deal we've been waiting for!  ?

[Doctor Gast]

I'm really glad that FO addressed our catching problem. I was hoping for something better and it seems CLE got the better of the deal. But it is what it is and we got good defensive catcher that can come in & give us an upgrade at catching & take the presure off Sanchez. And Hamilton could do better at CLE.

I will give this FO an A- on this trade deadline

[h2oface]

Where is Butera when you need him.This is help?

[ashbury]

1 hour ago, 2wins87 said:

Finally, the blockbuster deal we've been waiting for!  ?

On a big day like this, we need grade-A snark about the one minor swap?  Okay, I've always got plenty to spare, here you go:

[Craig Arko]

If Sanchez gets a hangnail we may be very grateful for this.

[rv78]

Twins seem to love Catchers that can't hit. Mauer has become a distant memory.

[jmlease1]

Meh. Hamilton didn't seem to be in the Twins plans, but this is basically an insurance policy that will likely have no meaningful impact. Pure backup, only here until Jeffers gets back and insurance against Jeffers not getting healthy in time. Frankly, I hope to see him as little as possible.

[dxpavelka]

54 minutes ago, rv78 said:

Twins seem to love Catchers that can't hit. Mauer has become a distant memory.

I remember a significant number of fans who didn't care for Mauer and he DID hit. 

[Minny505]

29 minutes ago, jmlease1 said:

Meh. Hamilton didn't seem to be in the Twins plans, but this is basically an insurance policy that will likely have no meaningful impact. Pure backup, only here until Jeffers gets back and insurance against Jeffers not getting healthy in time. Frankly, I hope to see him as little as possible.

Nailed it!

Low wattage trade that fills the void of backup catcher with someone a little more dependable than Caleb Hamilton.

I also would not be surprised to see him come in late to games with a lead as a defensive replacement for Sanchez about as often as he actually starts.

[strumdatjag]

2 hours ago, h2oface said:

Where is Butera when you need him.This is help?

Which light hitting Butera? Sal or Drew?

[Shaitan]

Was Hamilton on the 40?

If so, good trade.

If not, still a fine depth trade.

[bean5302]

Sanchez's inability to control the position defensively? As he throws out yet another base runner tonight (something defensive wizard Jeffers could only dream of)... btw, Sanchez is better than average with catcher framing this year. 

What is with the writers on this site. Did Sanchez steal all your girlfriends/boyfriends or something? Maybe he made a career of slapping your mom's in the face?

[wabene]

Oh yeah the Twins catchers who can't hit, Harper, Pierzinski, Mauer, Garver...... Help please I'm sure there are more

[Mark G]

I think Cleveland gave him to us because we have 8 games left with them this year and he is the closest thing to a sure out they could find to put in our lineup.    

[Minny505]

10 hours ago, bean5302 said:

Sanchez's inability to control the position defensively? As he throws out yet another base runner tonight (something defensive wizard Jeffers could only dream of)... btw, Sanchez is better than average with catcher framing this year. 

What is with the writers on this site. Did Sanchez steal all your girlfriends/boyfriends or something? Maybe he made a career of slapping your mom's in the face?

You aren't wrong. While Sanchez was rather rough at the position his entire career, and even made a bad first impression on both offense and defense for April, he has turned himself into an slightly better than average defensive catcher, pretty much on par with Jeffers. The two now make a great tandem.

The most shocking part is that it's rather easy to argue that Jeffers is the better offensive player.

In all, they have been shockingly similar in performance and production on both sides of the ball this season and Sanchez has played himself into a FA contract of at least 3/30, which the Twins are unlikely to ink. 

And due to age, my money is on Jeffers to likely be the better catcher in 2023 and beyond.

But Sanchez has been a surprisingly solid all-around catcher, something I had no expectation of when we got him.

[Karbo]

Needed another catcher for depth. Didn't have to give up a real prospect for him. I'll give the FO a C+ for this trade.