Jose Leclerc Signs $10M Deal with Athletics After Rangers Stint

OAKLAND, Calif. — Former Texas Rangers reliever Jose Leclerc has signed a one-year, $10 million contract with the Oakland Athletics, ESPN insider reported Friday. The move marks the end of Leclerc’s 14-year tenure with the Rangers, where he experienced both highs and lows during his career.

Leclerc, 30, was originally signed by Texas as an international free agent in 2010. He quickly rose to prominence, posting a stellar 1.56 ERA over 57.2 innings in 2018. However, his career faced setbacks after undergoing Tommy John surgery, which sidelined him for significant periods.

The Dominican Republic native made a strong comeback in recent years, recording a 2.75 ERA and 1.137 WHIP between 2022 and 2023. He also played a key role in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series victory, contributing four saves and a win during the postseason.

Despite his earlier success, Leclerc struggled in 2024, posting a 4.32 ERA as part of a disappointing Rangers bullpen. His departure comes as Texas looks to rebuild its pitching staff for the upcoming season.

“Jose has shown he can be a dominant force when healthy,” said an anonymous MLB analyst. “The Athletics are betting on his ability to bounce back and anchor their bullpen.”

Leclerc’s signing with Oakland adds depth to a team looking to improve its pitching roster. Meanwhile, the Rangers will focus on retooling their bullpen to address last season’s shortcomings.