Erick Leal Stats & Scouting Report

Top Rankings

Track Record: Leal was signed by the Diamondbacks in 2011, then shipped to the Cubs for outfielder Tony Campana. He missed the 2017 season while recovering from Tommy John surgery, but boosted his stock with a strong year at high Class A Myrtle Beach and an encore performance in the Arizona Fall League.

Scouting Report: Leal typically operates with a fastball that sits at 88-92 mph with a bit of tail, but he really makes his money with a plus changeup. The pitch comes in at 82-84 mph, is thrown with the same conviction as his fastball and shows excellent tumble away from lefthanders. He's got a feel for spinning his curveball as well, though it doesn't quite show the snap needed to be a true out pitch. All of his offerings are boosted a touch by a superb delivery and arm action.

The Future: Leal should get his first taste of the upper levels in 2019 and has a ceiling as a back-end starter or swingman.

Leal was signed by the Diamondbacks after the 2011 season and traded to the Cubs before the 2013 season for outfielder Tony Campana. He made tremendous progress this season at Boise to emerge as the team's best starter by season's end. Fellow Boise righty Trevor Clifton throws harder and has more projection, but Leal has good stuff and throws many more strikes. Leal's secondary pitches--a curveball and changeup--are progressing quickly, and he throws both as well as his fastball with confidence. His curve is his best pitch, with a chance to be plus in the future. His fastball averaged 90 mph, and he has added velocity since signing and should continue to do so as he gains strength. He works fast and down in the zone with a good tempo.

RHP Erick Leal assigned to FCL Yankees.
New York Yankees signed free agent RHP Erick Leal to a minor league contract.
Diablos Rojos del Mexico released RHP Erick Leal.
Diablos Rojos del Mexico activated RHP Erick Leal from the reserve list.
Diablos Rojos del Mexico placed RHP Erick Leal on the reserve list.
Diablos Rojos del Mexico activated RHP Erick Leal from the reserve list.
Diablos Rojos del Mexico placed RHP Erick Leal on the reserve list.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes traded RHP Erick Leal to Diablos Rojos del Mexico.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes traded RHP Erick Leal to Diablos Rojos del Mexico.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes activated RHP Erick Leal from the 15-day injured list.
Rieleros de Aguascalientes placed RHP Erick Leal on the 15-day injured list.
RHP Erick Leal assigned to Rieleros de Aguascalientes.
RHP Erick Leal assigned to Venezuela.
RHP Erick Leal and assigned to Venezuela.
RHP Erick Leal assigned to Tiburones de La Guaira.