Rangers Reliever Would Be Suitable Bullpen Addition as Free Agent
Texas Rangers reliever José Leclerc is a free agent who is available to provide bullpen help this offseason. In 2024, Leclerc sported a 6-5 record with a 4.32 ERA with 89 strikeouts across 66 2/3 innings pitched. He has spent his entire MLB career with the Rangers across eight seasons. The 30-year-old Dominican made his MLB debut in 2016 and was a 2023 World Series champ. As a relief pitcher, his go-to pitches are his four-seam fastball and his slider. His fastball can reach into the high 90s and his slider lives in the low 80s. Leclerc is also known for delivering from a cross-fire position. This pitching technique causes the ball to have a more diagonal trajectory.
Leclerc is also known for maintaining a decent opponent average compared to other relievers along with a high strikeout ability. For his career, Leclerc sports a 3.27 ERA but had a 2.68 regular-season ERA in 2023. 2018 was a big year for him, as he was named the Rangers Pitcher of the Year by the Baseball Writers’ Association of America. That year, Leclerc had a 1.56 ERA with a 2-3 record with 85 strikeouts and 12 saves.
The Pirates bullpen is currently a significant weakness, and they are actively seeking to acquire new arms. They are looking to amplify a relief corps which showed plenty of cause for concern in the 2024 season. Leclerc would be a suitable target for the Pirates, as he is a reliever with experience. The Pirates are also looking for relievers to pitch in high-leverage situations and José could solidify that need. MLB insider Mark Feinsand believes Leclerc is a reliever that the Pirates should go after this offseason.
Toronto Blue Jays
One of the many areas that the Blue Jays need assistance is the bullpen, and Leclerc is one option to consider. Toronto could use a reliever with postseason experience and a quick arm. The Blue Jays’ bullpen tumbled in 2024 due to injuries and now their closer Jordan Romano is joining free agency. The Blue Jays need experienced arms in the bullpen if they want to contend in 2025. In the postseason, Leclerc has a 1-1 record with a 3.29 ERA with 14 strikeouts.
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