RailCats Acquire Former Angels Prospect

Gary, IN – The Gary SouthShore RailCats have acquired pitcher Matt Leon from the New York Boulders (Frontier League) in exchange for infielder Thomas Walraven.

Leon, 27, appeared in 20 games for the Boulders all out of the bullpen. He posted a 5-1 record with a 1.80 earned run average and picked up five saves. The right-hander threw 15 innings and struck out 23 batters.

“Matt comes to the ‘Cats family after posting impressive numbers in 2022 and will be a valuable piece to our bullpen,” said manager Lamarr Rogers. “Originally a starter with the Angels Organization, he’s transitioned and shined coming out of the pen. Hard throwing avg 92-96mph and wanting the ball, I look forward to giving him the call from the pen in 2023.”

The Los Angeles Angels originally signed Leon as a nondrafted free agent on June 15, 2018. He spent two seasons playing in the Angels organization. During those two seasons he went 8-9 in 39 games (19 starts) with 132 strikeouts in 35 innings.

The Pennsylvania native played collegiately at Seton Hall University from 2015-2018. As a senior, Leon broke the Seton Hall single-season save record with 12. He led the Big East Conference in saves (12) and appearances (24). Leon finished that season with 34 strikeouts in 30.2 innings pitched and led the Pirates with a 1.17 ERA and was unanimously named to the Big East First Team.

The RailCats 2023 season begins at the Steel Yard on Thursday, May 11 vs Winnipeg Goldeyes. Season tickets packages and group outings for the 2023 season can be reserved by calling 219-882-2255 or emailing [email protected].