Athletics get setup man on one-year, $10 million deal

Jose Leclerc, Athletics
Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images

The Athletics continue to represent one of the most relevant storylines of the 2024-25 offseason. After years of running some ridiculously low payrolls, the franchise has spent a surprising amount of money in what will be their first season away from Oakland since 1967. On Friday, they reinforced their relief corps with a solid one-year gamble.

Atletics sign Jose Leclerc to one-year deal

The Athletics signed 31-year-old Jose Leclerc on Friday. Leclerc is still in his prime and offers plenty of experience with eight seasons at the highest level:

“Right-handed reliever José Leclerc and the Athletics are in agreement on a one-year, $10 million contract, sources tell ESPN. First with the agreement was @ByRobertMurray,” MLB insider Jeff Passan wrote on his X account.

Jose Leclerc, Athletics
Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

The 69-93 Athletics are determined to start crawling out of the hole that they dug for themselves with years of baffling inactivity. This off-season alone, they have signed Luis Severino, traded for Jeffrey Springs, inked Gio Urshela, and extended team star Brent Rooker.

The Athletics want to make some noise

Now, they are adding a pitcher with closing experience to set up for relief star Mason Miller. Leclerc posted a 4.32 ERA in 2024 with the Texas Rangers, the only team he had played for during his entire career. His FIP was a much better 3.48, though.

Now, he is staying in the same division but is moving to help the surging Athletics. Leclerc has a career 3.27 ERA and boasts a 31.2 percent strikeout rate, so his swing-and-miss tendencies will surely fit in any bullpen.

The A’s are set to start a new chapter, and they intend to at least be competitive. They might still be several pieces away from truly fighting for a postseason berth, but they have a good shot at being better than last year and might flirt with a .500 record if they keep adding useful pieces like Leclerc.

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