
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.

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.
- Ranking MLB’s top 10 second baseman entering the 2025 season
- Astros raise offer in attempt to re-sign star third baseman
- Ranking MLB’s top 10 first baseman entering the 2025 season
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.