In a move to bolster their bullpen depth, the Oakland Athletics have agreed to terms on a one-year, $10 million contract with veteran reliever Jose Leclerc. The 31-year-old right-hander spent the first eight years of his MLB career with the Texas Rangers, emerging as one of the league’s most electric late-inning arms.
Leclerc is coming off a solid bounce-back season in 2024, posting a 4.32 ERA with 89 strikeouts over 66 2/3 innings. He held right-handed batters to a paltry .193 average, showcasing the swing-and-miss stuff that made him a coveted free agent target for contending teams seeking bullpen reinforcements.
A Proven Track Record
Since making his MLB debut in 2016, Leclerc has been a consistent presence in the Rangers’ bullpen. The hard-throwing righty has appeared in 350 games, compiling a 3.27 ERA and 41 saves while striking out an impressive 11.8 batters per nine innings.
Leclerc’s career was briefly derailed by injury, as he missed most of the 2020 season with a torn teres major muscle and underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2021. After a lengthy rehab process, he returned to the mound in June 2022 and gradually worked his way back to form.
Resilience and Determination
Despite the setbacks, Leclerc’s tireless work ethic and competitive drive never wavered. He attacked his recovery with the same intensity he brings to the mound, determined to reclaim his place among the game’s elite relievers.
Jose is a warrior. The way he battled back from those injuries, never losing sight of his goal, it’s a testament to his character and love for the game. We’re thrilled to bring that kind of talent and leadership to our bullpen.
– A’s General Manager
Strengthening the A’s Relief Corps
For an Athletics team looking to make noise in a competitive AL West, the addition of a proven late-inning weapon like Leclerc could pay significant dividends. His explosive fastball-slider combination has the potential to shorten games and take pressure off a starting rotation that has struggled with consistency in recent years.
- Leclerc joins a bullpen anchored by All-Star closer Dany Jimenez
- The A’s ranked 20th in MLB with a 4.28 bullpen ERA in 2024
With Leclerc slotted into a high-leverage setup role, Manager Mark Kotsay can deploy a formidable one-two punch in the late innings. The veteran’s experience in pressure-packed situations should also provide a calming presence for Oakland’s crop of young relief prospects.
A Calculated Gamble
While the $10 million price tag may raise eyebrows for a typically cost-conscious Athletics franchise, the short-term nature of the deal mitigates some of the risk. If Leclerc can stay healthy and regain the dominant form he flashed during his Rangers tenure, it could prove to be a savvy investment.
The move also signals a willingness from the A’s front office to aggressively address roster weaknesses in an effort to keep pace with the free-spending Astros and Angels in the division. As the offseason arms race heats up, Oakland is making it clear they won’t be left behind.
The Road Ahead
As Leclerc prepares to embark on the next chapter of his MLB journey, he brings a wealth of experience and a burning desire to compete at the highest level. If he can harness that trademark intensity and adapt to his new surroundings, the Athletics may have just landed the final piece of a championship-caliber bullpen.
Only time will tell if this high-stakes gamble pays off, but for now, there’s a palpable buzz of excitement around the A’s organization. With Jose Leclerc on board, Oakland is poised to make some serious noise in the 2025 pennant chase.
