Eddys Leonard

Acquired from the Dodgers in August in exchange for cash, Leonard looked pretty good with his new organization. The 23-year-old reported to Triple-A Toledo and posted a .302/.374/.530 slash line with eight home runs across 40 games for the Mud Hens. Prior to the trade, Leonard popped 12 home runs in 92 games with Double-A Tulsa. The youngster had 15 long balls a season earlier at the High-A level, which gives him some upside as a player who has primarily played in the middle infield. Last year, Leonard made 107 starts at shortstop across his two stops while also making 13 appearances in the outfield. Javier Baez is currently the starting shortstop in Detroit, though the veteran has quickly worn out his welcome due to a few poor seasons after signing a large contract. Baez is clearly not the long-term answer up the middle, and Leonard could be in the mix to replace him when the time comes. The latter will likely start 2024 back at Triple-A and look to put together a strong full season at the level, though an MLB promotion at some point isn't out of the question. Read Past Outlooks