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New York Post writer Joel Sherman, in an article this weekend on the New York Mets' search for a left-handed reliever, wrote that the Washington Nationals might be a potential trade partner.
"Washington manager Matt Williams told me the Nationals are trying to settle on two lefties for their bullpen," Sherman wrote.
"They have [Jerry] Blevins, Matt Thornton and Xavier Cedeno, all of whom are out of options and cannot be sent to the minors without first passing through waivers. Williams also said Rich Hill was a consideration."
"I have been told the Nationals are more of a fallback position in case other stuff does not materialize," Sherman continued.
It was the Nationals' catching depth they dealt from first as Spring Training winds down.
Washington Post writer James Wagner and MLB.com's Bill Ladson both reported early this morning that the Nats dealt 26-year-old, switch-hitting catcher Sandy Leon to the Boston Red Sox.
Sandy Leon says he's been traded to the Red Sox.
— James Wagner (@JamesWagnerWP) March 30, 2015
The #Nats have traded Sandy Leon to the Red Sox.
— William Ladson (@washingnats) March 30, 2015
The Nationals confirmed the deal a few hours later:
The #Nats have traded C Sandy Leon to the #RedSox in exchange for cash considerations.
— Washington Nationals (@Nationals) March 30, 2015
Leon, who signed with Washington as an amateur free agent in 2007, put up a combined .189/.280/.253 line in 34 games and 107 major league plate appearances with the Nationals, hitting three doubles and a home run in his time with the Nats.
In eight minor league seasons, Leon put up a combined .236/.324/.329 line.
He was out of options, however, and with Wilson Ramos and Jose Lobaton expected to split the catching duties in D.C. this season, barring any injuries, Leon wasn't going to make the Opening Day roster.
The Red Sox have issues behind the plate with Christian Vazquez currently dealing with an elbow injury.
The Sox have Umberto Quintero available behind the plate and they acquired veteran backstop Ryan Hanigan this winter.
They also have prospect Blake Swihart in-house though his name is constantly coming up in trade rumors. Leon is now added to the mix.