Phillies pick up former Astros, Orioles outfielder from Cuba

The Philadelphia Phillies added some outfield depth on Friday.

It's expected to be a busy day in MLB with the looming non-tender deadline in the evening, and the Phillies took advantage by taking Pedro Leon off the hands of the Baltimore Orioles.

Leon had been designated for assignment by the Orioles to make more room on their 40-man roster.

The Phillies' waiver claim on Friday was reported by insider Francys Romero.

Leon is a 27-year old outfielder from Cuba.

He first made his professional debut as a 23-year old in the Houston Astros' organization in 2021.

Leon stayed with the Astros through the end of the 2025 regular season. He only moved to the Orioles in an already completed offseason move before Baltimore decided to quickly cut ties.

His only MLB action came in 2024 for the Astros, when he went 2-for-20 in seven games with a pair of stolen bases.

Leon spent 22 of his 25 games in 2025 at Triple-A as he battled injuries. In that short stint in the Pacific Coast League, Leon had a .734 OPS and stole five bases while hitting three home runs.

In the minor leagues, Leon has experience playing centerfield, right field and second base.

When he had his short cameo with the Astros in 2024, Leon only played centerfield.

The potential for solid speed and defense is likely what the Phillies see here. Leon will probably come to big league spring training and have to impress to have a chance of making the Opening Day roster.

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