Padres Bolster Bullpen with Veteran Reliever Just Before Opening Day
The San Diego Padres have agreed to a minor league contract with veteran right-hander José Leclerc. The move was reported by Jon Heyman to Filmogaz.com. Mike Rodriguez first signaled the agreement was near on March 23, 2026.
Career overview
Leclerc signed with the Texas Rangers as an international free agent in 2010. He rose through the system and was a top 30 prospect in 2015.
- MLB debut in 2016 with a 1.80 ERA over 15 innings.
- Breakout in 2018: 1.56 ERA and 85 strikeouts in 57.2 innings.
- Signed a four-year extension before the 2019 season.
- Struggled in 2019, with a 4.33 ERA, and made only two appearances in 2020.
- Underwent Tommy John surgery in March 2021.
- Returned to post a 2.83 ERA in 2022 and a 2.68 ERA in 2023.
- Across nine MLB seasons, he holds a 3.34 ERA in 360 appearances.
Recent season and health
Leclerc, 32, signed a one-year, $10 million deal with the Oakland Athletics last offseason. He appeared in 10 games and posted a 6.00 ERA across nine innings.
He was shut down with a lat muscle strain that led to season-ending surgery. The Padres will monitor his recovery closely in the minors.
How he fits in San Diego
The Padres already have deep relief options. Still, teams always seek more pitching depth in spring and early regular season.
The club hopes the signing helps Padres bolster bullpen depth by adding a veteran reliever just ahead of Opening Day. Leclerc will begin in the minor leagues to ramp up with club coaches.
Contract details and outlook
The deal is a minor league arrangement. It presents little financial risk to the Padres.
If Leclerc performs well, he could earn an early call-up. If not, he can return to free agency and seek another opportunity.
Key things to watch include his health, velocity, and command during minor league work. Early spring performances will determine his path back to the majors.
