Jose Leclerc

Leclerc opened 2023 in somewhat of a closer committee with Will Smith, but too many free passes forced the Rangers to scale back his high leverage workload. After some time pitching in low leverage spots, Leclerc landed on the IL with a right ankle sprain. He missed two weeks of action, then was much better upon his return, posting a 2.16 ERA, 0.99 WHIP and 42:13 K:BB over the final three months (33.2 innings). On his strong performance, the right-hander worked his way back up Texas' leverage ladder, finishing the regular season with 4 saves, 8 holds and respectable ratios. Leclerc tacked on another 4 saves across 13 playoff appearances, giving him some momentum heading into the 2024 season. With the Rangers exercising their $6.25 million option, Leclerc will continue to ride the success of his slider (.119 BAA, 49.6% whiff rate last season), but his perennially high walk rate may impact how many save chances he gets.

Leclerc finally returned last season, overcoming a 2020 shoulder strain, then Tommy John surgery the subsequent year. He made his season debut in mid-June and spent about two months pitching in lower-leverage scenarios to regain his footing after the extended absence. The right-hander's fastball velocity (96.5 mph on average) was in line with his pre-injury seasons, but he gave up a poor .298 BA and .579 SLG on the pitch. Despite those poor results, Leclerc's slider and changeup were excellent, both producing whiff rates over 42%. By mid-August, he was back in the mix for saves and finished the year with seven, including six of the Rangers' final eight saves. After Texas picked up Leclerc's $6 million team option for 2023, we can tentatively pencil him into the closer chair, but this bullpen is under construction and roles could fluctuate.

Leclerc began the season as the Rangers' closer, notching a save in the second game of the season. He only appeared in one more game before being placed on the 45-day IL with a Grade 2 strain of the teres major in his right shoulder. Leclerc was ruled out for the season in early September. He did not undergo surgery, so we won't know how healthy his shoulder is until he starts throwing this spring. If healthy, he'll be a top candidate to close for a Rangers team that traded Rafael Montero and looks primed to embrace a rebuild. To recapture the job, Leclerc will need to hone his control as walks have always been his Achilles' heel. While there's a chance Leclerc ends up in the saves picture, Jonathan Hernandez, Demarcus Evans and others will provide competition for the role in spring training.

The Rangers inked Leclerc to an extension March 6 after his breakout 2018 season. He was out as the closer less than two months later, though manager Chris Woodward was insistent the demotion was temporary and indeed Leclerc did return to closing after the trade deadline. At the end of April, Leclerc had an 8.44 ERA and nine walks in 10.2 innings, with two blown saves in seven chances before being relieved of ninth-inning duties. Things were a bit smoother for Leclerc over the final two months, as he went 9-for-10 in save chances with a 4.29 ERA, though the walk issues were still very much prevalent. For his career, Leclerc has a 15 BB%, and it can be argued his 2018 was driven by exceedingly good HR/FB luck. Emmanuel Clase emerged down the stretch and looked like a real threat to Leclerc's closing job in 2020, but Clase was traded to Cleveland in the offseason, affording Leclerc more breathing room.

Thanks to his poor finish to the 2017 campaign, Leclerc spent the first month of the 2018 season shuttling between Triple-A Round Rock and the majors. The right-hander ultimately emerged as one of the Rangers' primary setup men in May following a stretch of seven scoreless appearances, and his continued success earned him the closer's role after Keone Kela was dealt to Pittsburgh at the end of July. Leclerc was dominant after taking over in the ninth inning, converting all 12 of his save chances while notching a 29:6 K:BB across 18 scoreless innings. His improved control was key to his breakout season, as he dropped his walk rate to 3.9 BB/9 after posting a 7.9 BB/9 over his first two seasons. Leclerc figures to reprise his role as closer to begin 2019, and while his save chances may be limited on a rebuilding team, the 24-year-old should still provide value with his impressive ratios (1.56 ERA, 0.85 WHIP and 13.3 K/9 in 2018).

Midway through his rookie season, the 24-year-old Leclerc appeared as though he might be the best reliever in the Texas bullpen and seemed primed to get a look as closer after Matt Bush was pulled from the role in late June. Alas, Alex Claudio ultimately captured closing duties, while Leclerc's second-half implosion effectively resulted in manager Jeff Banister dropping him from the setup ranks. Finding the strike zone was the foremost problem for Leclerc, who finished with a 20:24 K:BB in 19.1 innings after the break. An 11.8 K/9 rate and .146 batting average against speaks to the upside Leclerc possesses when he's able to throw strikes, but he may be in need of some mechanical adjustments, considering his issues with walking batters were also prevalent throughout his minor-league career. Until Leclerc demonstrates significant improvement with his control, the Rangers aren't likely to trust him as a key cog of the bridge to the ninth inning.

Leclerc continues to climb up the Rangers' prospect ranks thanks to another strong showing in the minor leagues. He began the season with Double-A Frisco, but his 10.96 K/9 n 23 innings earned him a promotion to the Triple-A ranks. The 23-year-old continued fanning batters during his time at Round Rock, as he held a 10.5 K/9 and an ERA 80 points better than at his previous stop. All of this culminated in a September call-up, when he held his own with one strikeout per inning. Not everything was perfect for the right-hander, however. His control still leaves much to be desired, shown by his 51 walks across the three levels. His 0.65 GB/FB with Texas also doesn't read well for a pitcher who will eventually pitch in one of the most hitter-friendly environments in the American League. Of course, Leclerc should be afforded the opportunity to compete for a major league roster spot out of spring training, although he will likely be given additional time at Triple-A to begin the season with the goal of improving his command.