Red Sox: Sandy Leon Deep Waiver Wire Add

Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon is quietly becoming one of the best hitting catchers in the second half. He is worth keeping an eye on down the stretch.

The Boston Red Sox offense is heating up in the hot August month. The team ranks seventh in average and home runs and fifth in RBI this month. While we can look to the typical hitters for this surge, there is someone who not many people are talking about. Catcher Sandy Leon is hitting very well and should be added in most leagues.

The Red Sox began the season with Blake Swihart as the catcher, but he was removed in favor of Ryan Hanigan. Hanigan then found himself on the 15-day disabled list. So, the Red Sox were running out of options behind the plate.

After getting some playing time with the Washington Nationals between 2012 and 2014 and some with Boston last season, Leon made his 2016 debut on June 7. He went 14-for-30 with one home run and six RBI in his first 12 games.

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This month, Leon’s bat has been on fire. In 15 games, he is hitting .367/.439/.714 with four homers, eight RBI and 12 runs scored.

His low ownership numbers are likely because owners are waiting for his numbers to regress to the mean. He hit .187 in his first 209 at bats. With six weeks left to the regular season, I don’t see things going that badly for Leon.

Leon hits towards the bottom of Boston’s lineup, between the either Travis Shaw, Jackie Bradley and Andrew Benintendi. That does limit his at bats, but Leon is making the most of this opportunity. If you missed out on Gary Sanchez and Yasmani Grandal, Leon should be there for the taking.

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As I mentioned, Leon is available in plenty of leagues. He’s owned in just 38.1 percent of ESPN leagues. The catcher position has been up-and-down this season. With the names on the waiver wire, there is no reason you should hold onto your current catcher, especially if he is struggling. Catchers are kind of like kickers in fantasy football. Deal with the one you have until a better one surfaces