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Red Sox History: A look at Boston’s notable backup catchers

By Rick McNair

July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports
July 04, 2010; Boston, MA, USA; A general view as a large American flag hangs over the green monster before the start of the game between the Boston Red Sox and the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Greg M. Cooper-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 25: Sandy Leon #3 of the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 25, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 25: Sandy Leon #3 of the Boston Red Sox at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 25, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

Red Sox Sandman hits .310

Looking at the transaction page for switch-hitting Sandy León, you need a calculator. The latest deal is a minor league deal with the Cleveland Guardians. León played five seasons with the Red Sox hitting just .212, but the defense part was critical with one exception. León’s .310 season in 2017 was an anomaly, but every player hopes for a career year, and this was Sandy’s.

In the title year of 2018, León split duties with Christian Vázquez, and León was back to his weak bat ways, hitting just .177. I recall León’s ability to get the occasional big hit despite his low career average. This was present in the WS when León went three for six against the Dodgers.

In 2019 the batting average took another jolt under the “Mendoza Line,” and León was gone. Leon is just the type of catcher the Red Sox could snag in 2022 if a rash of injuries hit the backstop position and a solid defender. An excellent insurance policy.

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