Cincinnati Reds: Five players fighting for a roster spot during spring training

3. José De León, Right-handed pitcher

This was one of my favorite pick ups of the offseason. José De León played just three games during last season following recovery from Tommy John surgery that cost De León the entire 2018 season. If De León is able to maintain his health, the right-hander could be a key contributor in Cincinnati’s pursuit of the NL Central title.

De León was drafted back in 2013 by the Los Angeles Dodgers. De León took his lumps during Rookie Ball in both the Arizona and Pioneer Leagues, pithing to the tune of a 6.96 ERA in 14 games. However, the Puerto Rico native turned things around in 2014 with a combined ERA of 2.22 while playing for the Ogden Raptors and Great Lakes Loons.

De León was dealt to the Tampa Bay Rays in 2017 and accelerated quickly through the minor leagues. A 3.05 ERA though 10 games found De León on the Rays roster where he put up 10.13 ERA as a 24-year-old. After recovering from Tommy John surgery, the right-hander put up great number in the minors and was able to get back onto the field during August of last season.

José De León was a Top 10 prospect within the Dodgers organization in 2014 and made it to No. 3 in LA’s farm system by 2015 according to MLB Pipeline. No longer expected to be a starting pitcher, De León still possess an above-average slider and changeup. A three-pitch right-hander out of the bullpen could be a very necessary piece with the three-batter minimum set for 2020.