JUST IN: Red Sox Sign Former LA Dodgers Draft Pick To Minor League Contract
Right-hander José De León, once a highly regarded prospect in the Los Angeles Dodgers organization, saw his career derailed by injuries, leaving him without a team last season. Now, at 32, he has an opportunity to make a comeback with the Boston Red Sox.
De León himself first hinted at the move on Instagram, posting a video on Tuesday with the caption “Where to?” while wearing a Red Sox cap. Reporter Francys Romero later confirmed on X that De León had signed a minor league deal with Boston.
Originally drafted by the Dodgers in the 24th round of the 2013 MLB Draft, De León made his major league debut with Los Angeles in 2016. Though he has pitched in parts of six MLB seasons, he has never logged more than 20 innings in a single year, posting a career 7.44 ERA over 65 1/3 total innings.
Red Sox sign former Dodgers top prospect José De León to minor league contract
Beyond his time with the Dodgers, José De León has also pitched in the majors for the Tampa Bay Rays, Cincinnati Reds, and most recently, the Minnesota Twins. In 2023, he allowed nine earned runs over 17 1/3 innings with Minnesota before his season was cut short by a second Tommy John surgery in five years.
De León spent the entire 2024 season as a free agent while recovering but made his return to the mound in November, pitching for Criollos de Caguas in the Puerto Rican Winter League.
Having not appeared in a major league game in nearly two years, De León is expected to start the 2025 season with Triple-A Worcester. While his MLB track record has been shaky, he has performed well in the minors, posting a 3.44 ERA across 199 innings at the Triple-A level over six seasons.
Ultimately, De León represents a low-risk depth option for the Red Sox. Though his recovery remains untested in affiliated baseball, he could provide stability for Worcester’s bullpen if he regains his form.
