The Astros informed reporters this afternoon that prospect Pedro León will not be ready for the start of Spring Training after undergoing sports hernia surgery earlier this week (relayed by Chandler Rome of the Houston Chronicle). The procedure comes with a six-to-eight week recovery timetable, so León still looks to be in position to start the regular season on time.
León, 24, was a high-profile international signee for Houston over the 2020-21 offseason. A native of Cuba, he didn’t reach the amateur free agent market until he was headed into his age-23 campaign. He was nevertheless regarded as one of the more talented players in that signing class and his experience meant he was far more advanced than the typical signee, most of whom join clubs as teenagers. He was assigned to Double-A during his first professional campaign and made it to Triple-A Sugar Land later in the season.
The right-handed hitter spent all of last season with the Space Cowboys. Through 504 plate appearances, he hit .228/.365/.431, connecting on 17 home runs and stealing 38 bases. Promising as his combination of speed, plate discipline and power potential is, León also showed some areas of concern. He was caught stealing on 18 occasions and struck out in nearly 29% of his trips to the dish. Baseball America named him the #6 prospect in the Houston organization this offseason, praising his physical abilities but raising questions about his contact skills.
Initially signed as a shortstop, León mostly moved to the outfield last year. He made 52 starts in center field and 33 more in right while playing 23 games in the middle infield (all but three at second base). Given his upper level experience, it wouldn’t be a surprise to see him factor into the MLB outfield during the upcoming season. Chas McCormick, Mauricio Dubón and Jake Meyers are each on the 40-man roster and ahead of León on the depth chart for now, though the young player could find himself in the mix midseason. He has not yet been added to the 40-man.
This is unfortunate because he really needs the work. Lots of raw talent
Leon will either become a superstar or do nothing. He needs to first put up a consistent minor league season.
Thoughts and prayers.
To correct the article, Leon was originally signed as a CF. He was only moved to SS during his first professional season in order to gain experience at the position and open the possibilities of him moving around the diamond. From what I understand, the team is also looking into him getting some time at 2B and 3B.
Makes sense for the Astros and Leon to do this, as not only would increased versatility increase Leon’s chances of becoming a regular contributor, but given the free-agency of Altuve and Bregman in a couple of seasons, team could benefit if Leon can play one of those spots.
I would be shocked, shocked I tell you, if Altuve or Bregman ever play for a different team.
I hope that this is the case is as well, especially Altuve…
But with the contracts being handed out and the Astros history of not wanting to go more than 6 years on a contract, it might be hard to retain them both…
My God, I would hope neither Altuve nor Bregman would expect 6+ on their next deals
Strikes out too much…..
Can’t hit the PCL. That’s all you need to know.
He has complimentary platoon splits with McCormick. They would make a great duo.
He came into the system as the next big prospect. It was believed he would be the SS of the future ahead of Peña. He’s had the opportunity to prove himself but management hasn’t been impressed. Although, Cintron has been working with him this offseason