"The righty underwent shoulder surgery last summer. It was known that the procedure would end his 2025 campaign but his expected timeline for 2026 wasn't clear until now. Leclerc, 32, has always had a big strikeout stuff but also a lack of control. From 2018 to 2024, he gave the Rangers 299 2/3 innings, allowing 3.24 earned runs per nine."
"The Athletics signed him to a one-year, $10MM deal going into 2025 but that didn't pan out for the club. He made ten appearances before landing on the injured list in April with a lat strain. He eventually underwent surgery in July. As mentioned, he wasn't expected back in 2025 but it wasn't clear if he would be recovered in time for Opening Day 2026."
"Now it seems he will be a midseason wild card for 2026. With a potential return in July, he could be back just in time to join a pennant race. Almost all contending clubs are looking for extra arms ahead of the trade deadline, which will be on August 3rd this year. Leclerc would only cost money, as opposed to prospects, which could appeal to some clubs."
José Leclerc, a 32-year-old right-handed pitcher, threw a bullpen session and is targeting a July 2026 return following shoulder surgery performed last summer. The free agent underwent the procedure after a lat strain ended his 2025 season with the Athletics after just ten appearances. From 2018 to 2024 with the Rangers, Leclerc compiled a 3.24 ERA across 299⅔ innings with a strong 31.8% strikeout rate, though his 11.8% walk rate exceeded average. He served as both closer and setup man, earning 41 saves and 58 holds. His six-pitch arsenal featured a mid-90s fastball and sinker. A July return would make him available near the August 3rd trade deadline, appealing to contenders seeking bullpen depth without surrendering prospects.
Read at MLB Trade Rumors
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