Philadelphia sparks buzz by claiming an ex-Astros top prospect from Baltimore whose electric CF toolset could unlock major value. DD
The Phillies may have struck gold to help solidify the outfield.
The Philadelphia Phillies found their right-handed hitting outfield power bat. That may be a stretch, but the team’s recent move could prove to be effective if it works out.
The Phillies didn’t make a trade or a big free agent signing to acquire this outfielder. They simply claimed another team’s unwanted goods, grabbing Pedro León off waivers on Friday.
Phillies claim uber-talented outfielder Pedro León off waivers from Orioles
The Phillies claimed León off waivers from the Baltimore Orioles, per The Philadelphia Inquirer’s Lochlahn March. The Orioles claimed León off waivers from the Houston Astros on Nov. 6 before designating him for assignment on Nov. 18.
León signed with the Astros organization in 2021 and made it all the way to Triple-A that same year. The Cuban outfielder has had substantial success throughout his minor league career, but has yet to reach his full potential.
The Phillies may have struck gold with this waiver claim. León was ranked as high as the Astros’ No. 2 prospect, per MLB Pipeline, and has the tools necessary to be a star.
León has elite arm strength and above-average speed and power. He was in the 20-20 club, meaning 20-plus home runs and 20-plus stolen bases, in both the 2023 and 2024 seasons with the Astros’ Triple-A affiliate, the Sugar Land Space Cowboys.
León’s best season came in 2024 when he hit .299 with an .886 OPS, 25 doubles, two triples, 24 home runs, 90 RBIs and 29 stolen bases. He stole a career-high 38 bases in 2022, his first full season at Triple-A.
Unfortunately, León missed most of the 2025 season with a knee injury, appearing in only 25 games. Injuries and swing-and-miss concerns have derailed his career to an extent, preventing him from reaching his star potential the Astros thought he could.
The Phillies are taking a chance on a 27-year-old elite-caliber player with only seven games of major league experience under his belt. However, León’s versatility between the outfield and the infield is enticing and could be a low-risk, high-reward for the Phillies.
León will likely start the 2026 season in Triple-A Lehigh Valley, but with the Phillies’ uncertainty in the outfield heading into the season, he could make a quick impact with the big league club.
