Astros’ latest call-up could be the bat they were looking for all along

Eric Cole

Feb 25, 2024; Port St. Lucie, Florida, USA; Houston Astros right fielder Pedro Leon leaps to try to take away a two-run home run from New York Mets catcher Francisco Alvarez in the third inning at Clover Park. Mandatory Credit: Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports / Jim Rassol-USA TODAY Sports

The trade deadline was a whirlwind of activity. Rumors were being thrown around left and right, while Houston Astros fans were waiting (im)patiently for news on who the team was going to bring in. Ultimately, the result was somewhat underwhelming, as Houston overpaid for Yusei Kikuchi and also acquired a fringe reliever, Caleb Ferguson, from the Yankees.

However, some Astros roster news got a bit lost in the shuffle amidst the deadline madness, as Houston called up outfield prospect Pedro Leon. If Leon can replicate his success from Triple-A in the big leagues, he could end up being the offensive upgrade they were desperately searching for at the deadline.

Astros News: Houston calling up Pedro Leon in effort to balance out their offense

Leon's path to the majors has been far from straightforward. The Astros signed him for $4 million as an international free agent out of Cuba back in 2021, and many immediately pegged him as a future star. However, his hit tool took longer to develop than expected, and he remained in high minors purgatory while averaging a .750ish OPS.

The 2024 season has treated Leon significantly better than that. Through 93 games at Triple-A, Leon slashed .297/.377/.519 with 19 homers and 23 stolen bases. He still strikes out a bit too much, but Houston couldn't ignore his production any longer, and are giving him a shot to prove himself while Kyle Tucker continues to rehab his shin injury.

With Joey Loperfido traded away and Jacob Melton not quite ready for the majors, Leon won't have a better opportunity to prove he belongs in the Astros' plans. Houston really wanted to add another impact bat at the trade deadline and fell short of acquiring Yandy Diaz. If Leon can look anything like he did in the minor leagues this year, the Astros may find that they already had what they needed all along.

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Eric Cole

I started my career writing about baseball covering the Atlanta Braves for SB Nation's Talking Chop back in 2015 which has since been renamed Battery Power. After years of writing for those fine folks, I made the decision to take over as Site Expert at House That Hank Built before becoming a full-time MLB Staff Writer for FanSided in 2023. Along the way, I have been a guest on multiple ESPN radio affiliates as well as 680 The Fan and 92.9 The Game to discuss Braves baseball and especially Braves prospects and was a long-time host on the Battery Power podcast. These days, I continue to write about the Braves as well as covering the Astros, Padres, and Angels with particular expertise with minor league coverage, the MLB Draft, and bashing Anthony Rendon when possible. When I am not writing about or talking about baseball (which is seldom), I am an avid baseball card collector (Maddux and Soroka being my primary personal collections) and I also collect shark teeth. All other sports are mostly dead to me as my Bills have broken my heart too many times.