After addressing their needs in the rotation and at third base earlier this offseason, the Athletics seemed to have one final priority left: strengthening their bullpen.
In an effort to reinforce their relief corps, the A’s reached an agreement on Friday for a one-year deal with right-handed reliever José Leclerc. The contract is valued at $10 million, according to an MLB.com source. To make room for Leclerc on the 40-man roster, the team designated right-hander Will Klein for assignment.
Leclerc, who was signed by the Rangers as an international free agent in 2010, has spent his entire professional career with the organization. Over eight Major League seasons, the 31-year-old owns a 3.27 ERA with 473 strikeouts in 360 1/3 innings.
He has filled various late-inning roles for the Rangers, accumulating 41 career saves, and played a crucial part in their 2023 World Series championship, posting a 3.29 ERA over 13 relief appearances with four saves and a win. His 13 postseason appearances that year ranked as the third-most in a single postseason.
Following the World Series win, Leclerc had a slightly underwhelming 2024 campaign. He appeared in 64 games, finishing with a 6-5 record, a 4.32 ERA, 89 strikeouts, and 32 walks in 66 2/3 innings. However, his 3.48 FIP suggests his performance may have been better than his ERA indicated.
One of Leclerc’s defining strengths over the years has been his ability to limit hard contact. Last season, his 30.7% hard-hit rate ranked in the 96th percentile of qualified Major League pitchers. This skill will be especially important for the A’s, who are moving from the pitcher-friendly Oakland Coliseum to the more hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park in West Sacramento.
Leclerc’s arsenal features a five-pitch mix, highlighted by a fastball that averages around 95-96 mph and a slider that limited opposing batters to a .221 average while generating a 45.7% whiff rate in 2024. He also throws a cutter, sinker, and changeup.
With the A’s, Leclerc is expected to assume a high-leverage role and could become one of the primary setup options for All-Star closer Mason Miller. Additionally, Leclerc worked more than one inning in 17 of his 64 appearances last season, which could make him a valuable multi-inning option for the bullpen.
