Puerto Rican right-handed pitcher Jose De Leon signed a minor league contract with the Boston Red Sox on March 4, according to Francys Romero of Beisbol FR.
Sources confirm that Puerto Rican RHP José De León has agreed to a minor league deal with the Boston Red Sox.
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 5, 2025
Romero also stated that De Leon’s deal only includes an invite to minor league camp.
De León’s deal only includes a minor league camp. A good opportunity to make his way back to MLB from Triple-A. https://t.co/U586YAEIB5
— Francys Romero (@francysromeroFR) March 5, 2025
Jose De Leon, 32, was born in Isabela, Puerto Rico and has played six seasons in Major League Baseball with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2016, the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017 and 2019, the Cincinnati Reds from 2020-21 and the Minnesota Twins in 2023.
Winter League and International Pitching
This past winter, De Leon reinforced Indios de Mayaguez at the 2025 Caribbean Series in Mexicali, Mexico, after the club won the Liga de Beisbol Profesional Roberto Clemente championship. He appeared in four relief outings, posting a 2.25 ERA with five hits, one earned run, two walks, and four strikeouts over four innings.
During the regular season with Criollos de Caguas, De Leon made eight appearances, including two starts, and finished with a 0.93 ERA and one save. He allowed seven hits, one earned run, and one home run while striking out 11 batters over 9.2 innings.
De Leon also represented Puerto Rico in the World Baseball Classic in 2017 and 2023. In 2023, he started one game and did not allow an earned run, striking out 10 batters over 5.2 innings. Puerto Rico reached the quarterfinals before falling to Mexico, 5-4. In 2017, he made two appearances, including one start, finishing with an 8.10 ERA in 6.2 innings. Puerto Rico lost to the United States in the championship game.
Injury Setbacks
In 2023, De Leon suffered a right flexor muscle strain that ended his season. The Twins placed him on the 60-day injured list on June 25. He split time between Minnesota and Triple-A St. Paul, recording a 3.62 ERA in nine Triple-A outings, including four starts. He threw 27.1 innings, allowing 16 hits, nine earned runs, two home runs, and five walks while striking out 17. With the Twins, he had a 4.67 ERA in 12 appearances, including one start, allowing 16 hits, nine earned runs, and two home runs over 17.1 innings. He became a free agent on October 23, 2023.
De Leon missed the 2024 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.
MLB Outlook with the Boston Red Sox
Over six major league seasons, De Leon has a 4-2 record with a 7.44 ERA in 34 appearances, including seven starts. He has thrown 65.1 innings, allowing 70 hits, 54 earned runs, and 13 home runs while striking out 84.
The Red Sox will evaluate whether De Leon can compete for a spot on the active roster or begin the season at Triple-A Worcester. If he makes the big league club, the front office will have to make a corresponding move to clear a spot on the 40-man roster.
Boston continues its Grapefruit League schedule on March 6 against the Toronto Blue Jays in Dunedin, Florida, with first pitch at 1:07 p.m. Eastern.
The Red Sox open the 2025 regular season on the road against the Texas Rangers with a 3:05 p.m. start time.
Photo: AP Photo/Craig Lassig
