Blue Jays acquire RHP Arnold Leon from Athletics

The Toronto Blue Jays have acquired 27-year old right-handed pitcher Arnold Leon from the Oakland Athletics in a minor deal on Tuesday afternoon

The Blue Jays an Athletics continued their friendly relationship on Tuesday, pulling off a smaller-than-normal transaction with right-handed pitcher Arnold Leon switching teams for cash considerations or a player to be named later.

Leon made his Major League pitching debut for Oakland this past season, throwing 26.2 innings in 19 appearances with a 4.39 ERA. His AAA numbers with the Nashville Sounds of the Pacific Coast League do look more promising, however, with a 2.95 ERA and 8.5 K/9 over 58.0 innings.

After coming up primarily as a relief arm in the Mexican League and A’s organization, Leon transitioned into the starting rotation more prominently from 2013 on at the AA and AAA levels. He doesn’t seem to be much of a threat to crack the MLB roster in either role, but could provide the Buffalo Bisons with some valuable depth (if they can slip him through).

Here’s video of Leon’s most well-known moment, which Canadian baseball fans will remember fondly. At the very least, we can say he takes instruction well?

The addition of Leon now moves Toronto’s 40-man roster to 39 players, leaving room for one further addition before necessitating the DFA churn at the bottom.

Leon throws a fastball, slider, curveball and changeup with his heater topping out around 93-94 MPH. Perhaps Toronto is looking for another Liam Hendriks candidate? He was designated for assignment recently when Oakland agreed to terms with former Blue Jays starter Henderson Alvarez.