Braves re-sign veteran catcher to minor league contract

The Atlanta Braves re-signed veteran catcher Sandy Leon to a minor league contract on Tuesday and assigned him to Triple-A Gwinnett Stripers, according to MLB transaction records. The 37-year-old became available after being designated for assignment on June 18, clearing waivers and electing free agency before returning to the organization a day later.

Leon’s major league production so far this season has been limited, as he has hit .091 (4-for-44) with 18 strikeouts and zero walks across 21 games with Atlanta. His lack of offensive output was likely a factor in the Braves’ roster adjustment following the acquisition of catcher Joey Bart.

Atlanta moved Leon off the roster to make room after acquiring Bart from the Pittsburgh Pirates in a trade for right-hander Hunter Stratton. Since joining the Braves, Bart is 0-for-7 and is batting .231 on the season with 2 home runs and 7 RBIs. Over his MLB career, Bart owns a .239 average with 30 home runs and 120 RBIs.

Atlanta currently has Drake Baldwin and Bart listed as its major league catchers, with starter Sean Murphy on the injured list due to a broken finger. Additional depth includes Jair Camargo on the 40-man roster, while Maverick Handley remains out.

Leon hasn’t had much success offensively, but his experience and work behind the plate still make him valuable. The organization has kept him in the system for emergency catching depth at Triple-A Gwinnett.

Leon is in his 14th MLB season after debuting in 2012 with the Washington Nationals. Across 583 career games, he has a .270 batting average with 32 home runs and 152 RBIs. He also won a World Series title with the Boston Red Sox in 2018. Leon has spent the past two seasons with the Braves and also appeared in a five-game stretch with the team last year.

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