Free agent right-handed pitcher Jose Leclerc Jon Heyman of The New York Post reported today that he has pitched in the bullpen and is targeting a July return. The right-hander underwent shoulder surgery last summer. The procedure will reportedly end his 2025 campaign, but his expected 2026 timeline has so far been unclear.
Leclerc, 32, always had big strikeouts but lacked control. From 2018 to 2024, he gave up 299 2/3 innings for the Rangers, allowing 3.24 earned runs per nine. His 11.8% walk rate was a few ticks worse than average, but his 31.8% strikeout rate was quite strong.
He occasionally served as the club’s closer, earning 41 saves over several seasons, but mostly as a setup man, recording 58 holds. For most of the year, he offered a six-pitch mix that included a four-seamer and sinker in the mid-90s, a cutter and changeup in the late 80s, a slider in the early 80s and a curveball in the early 70s.
The Athletics signed him to a one-year, $10 million contract through 2025, but that didn’t pan out for the club. He appeared in 10 games before being placed on the injured list in April with a lat strain. I finally had surgery in July. As mentioned, he was not expected to return in 2025, but it was unclear if he would recover in time for Opening Day in 2026.
Now he looks to be a midseason wild card in 2026. With a possible return in July, he could be back in time to be in the pennant race. Almost every competing club is looking for additional weapons ahead of the trade deadline, which falls on August 3 this year. Leclerc only costs money, unlike prospects, so he could appeal to some clubs who have salary space and prefer not to engage in the farm system. The club could theoretically sign Leclerc at any time, but they may prefer to wait to ensure he doesn’t run into any difficulties between now and July.
Photo credit: Joe Nicholson, Imagn Images
