PROSPECT: Pedro Leon, OF, Houston Astros
CURRENT LEVEL: Triple-A
2024 STATS: 49 G, 223 PA, 192 AB, .276 AVG, 10 HR, 51 RBI, 37 R, 13 SB, 25.1% K%, 10.8% BB%, .387 wOBA, 119 wRC+, .339 BABIP
ANALYSIS: The Houston Astros signed Cuban outfielder Pedro Leon in 2021 as part of the international free agent signing class. They gave him a $4 million signing bonus, tops in the class, and it was expected he'd be in the majors in no time as the starting center fielder. Things have taken longer than expected, as he's already 26 years old and has played two full seasons at Triple-A, in addition to a portion of 2021 and, of course, 2024.
A couple of reasons for this were that he was striking out at a high rate (28.6% 2022-23) and not batting for average (.237 2022-23). This was not expected when they signed him, as per the Astros senior scouting advisor Charlie Gonzalez, "he doesn't swing and miss much." The power has never really been in question, though, hitting 17 and 21 home runs in the last two seasons.
Pedro León: 10 HR and 51 RBI in Triple-A this season.
RBI LEADER in all Minor Leagues.
He is a candidate to be a trade piece soon, the Astros don’t have room for Leon on MLB rosterpic.twitter.com/xWXdh6A4zi
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) May 24, 2024
It seems he's hitting his stride in 2024, putting it all together as he's hitting for average (.276), power (10 HR), and adding speed (13 SB). His 51 RBI lead all minor leaguers, and the power is legit, as he hit a 479-foot home run earlier this season, longer than any home run hit in the minors or majors. The path to playing time in Houston isn't clear at the moment, and the Cuban isn't on the 40-man roster. He's proven his mettle in Triple-A, so whether it's Houston or elsewhere, as long as he continues to hit, then Leon should see time in the majors later this season.
More Fantasy Baseball Analysis
Jacob deGrom - Fantasy Baseball Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in All Leagues ROSTERED IN: 75% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitcher Jacob deGrom is on the verge of returning to the major leagues and should be rostered in all formats. The former two-time Cy Young winner underwent Tommy John surgery last summer and began a rehab assignment in late August. Through […]
Kumar Rocker - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups (Week 25)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 15% of Leagues ANALYSIS: Texas Rangers starting pitching prospect Kumar Rocker is set to make his major league debut on Thursday and should be added in all standard leagues. Rocker has had a rocky start to his professional career. He was originally drafted by the New […]
Jasson Dominguez: Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Pickups for Week 25 (2024)
BALLER MOVE: Add in 12+ Team Leagues ROSTERED IN: 35% of Leagues ANALYSIS: The New York Yankees called up their top prospect, Jasson Dominguez, before Monday's series opener against the Kansas City Royals. Dominguez hit sixth and played left field in his second major league start of the season. In that contest, he went 1-for-4 with […]
Will Wagner - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 23)
BALLER MOVE: Use as Streamer for Rest of Season / Stash in Dynasty Leagues CALL-UP ETA: In Majors ANALYSIS: Will Wagner, the son of legendary closer Billy Wagner, was acquired by the Toronto Blue Jays at this year’s trade deadline from the Houston Astros as part of the Yusei Kikuchi return. The 26-year-old currently ranks […]
Connor Norby - Fantasy Baseball Prospects Waiver Wire Stashes (Week 22)
BALLER MOVE: Add in Deeper Leagues CALL-UP ETA: August 19 ANALYSIS: Connor Norby is finally making his much-anticipated debut for the Miami Marlins. Norby, who was acquired at the trade deadline in the deal that sent Trevor Rogers to Baltimore, was playing with Miami's Triple-A team in Jacksonville since being traded but was activated by Miami […]
Download Our Free News & Alerts Mobile App
Like what you see? Download our updated fantasy baseball app for iPhone and Android with 24x7 player news, injury alerts, sleepers, prospects & more. All free!
Check out RotoBaller's entire fantasy baseball waiver wire pickups and sleepers list, updated daily!