Padres Officially Add Veteran Reliever José Leclerc to Bolster Bullpen
About a week ago, reports surfaced that the San Diego Padres were closing in on a deal for José Leclerc, a key piece of the Texas Rangers’ 2023 World Series team. According to Mike Rodriguez, the Padres were eyeing Leclerc as a depth option for their bullpen. That deal is now official, according to MLB.com’s transactions page.
Leclerc’s Career: Dominance and Setbacks
A former Rangers closer, Leclerc showed flashes of brilliance when healthy, though his career has had its ups and downs. Named Texas’ closer in 2019, he struggled through a 4.33 ERA over 70 innings as the Rangers finished third in the AL West.
In early 2021, he underwent Tommy John surgery, missing the entire season and raising doubts about his ability to return to the dominant form he displayed in 2018, when he posted a 1.56 ERA across 57.2 innings.
Redemption and a World Series Ring
Leclerc answered those concerns in 2022, posting a 2.75 ERA over the 2022-23 seasons with Texas and helping the Rangers capture their first-ever World Series title, adding a key bullpen piece to the club that had fallen short in 2010 and 2011.
Recent Struggles and Injury Worries
However, the last two seasons haven’t been kind. Between 2024-25, Leclerc posted a 4.64 ERA over 74 appearances with Texas and Oakland. His 2025 season ended early after just nine innings with a 6.00 ERA, followed by right shoulder surgery in July.
Despite these challenges, Leclerc remains motivated, throwing bullpen sessions for interested teams this offseason and rehabbing for a potential return around July.
Low-Risk, High-Reward Move for San Diego
For the Padres, this is a low-risk, high-reward pickup. If Leclerc returns to form, he could provide valuable innings in an already strong bullpen. If not, the team hasn’t committed significant resources, and his performance at the Triple-A level will determine if he earns a shot with the big-league club.
The move gives San Diego flexibility heading into the summer, offering the potential for a veteran arm to reinforce the bullpen during the grind of the season, with no strings attached.
