Indians deal for Red Sox catcher Sandy Leon

The Indians Monday made a deal with the Boston Red Sox, sending righty pitcher Adenys Bautista to Boston for catcher Sandy Leon.

The 30-year-old Leon has been in the Majors for eight seasons, spending time with both the Red Sox and the Washington Nationals.

Last season in 65 games Leon hit .192 for the Red Sox. Leon has always been better with his glove than his bat, ranked among one of the top American League defensive catchers.

The switch hitting catcher is a career .221 hitter with 25 homers and 123 runs batted in playing in a total of 392 games.

The Indians have always put more emphasis on what their catchers do behind the plate, and when Leon is catching Red Sox hurlers have an ERA of 3.74.

With Roberto Perez the team's everyday catcher, Leon will likely compete with 2019 backup Kevin Plawecki for playing time at the Major League level.

Last season Plawecki hit .222 with three homers and 17 RBI in 59 games, 158 plate appearances.

The team designated right handed pitcher James Hoyt for assignment to make room for Leon.