The Tigers and Dodgers swung a minor deal just before the deadline, as J.P. Hoornstra of the Southern California News Group tweets that Detroit acquired infielder Eddys Leonard for cash considerations. The Dodgers designated Leonard for assignment earlier this week as a way to open a roster spot for new acquisitions.
Leonard, 22, has a 96 wRC+ in 388 Double-A plate appearances this year while playing shortstop. Prior to the season, Baseball America gave Leonard a 45 grade as a prospect, suggesting he “projects to be an offensively-driven utilityman if he can refine his pitch selection.” BA notes that Leonard, a former $200K signing out of the Dominican Republic, was adversely affected by the inability to access the Dodgers’ coaches and facilities during the 2021 lockout.
MLB.com rated Leonard 14th among Dodgers prospects, also with a 45 grade. Both outlets praised Leonard for his bat speed, but suggested he had not yet found his defensive home.
Though Tigers GM was unable to cash in on veteran lefty Eduardo Rodriguez prior to the trade deadline, beyond Leonard he was able to acquire infield prospect Hao-Yu Lee from the Phillies for Michael Lorenzen.