The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be starting their long-awaited makeover this offseason. St. Louis has parted ways with a few experienced players, and the front office is allegedly interested in trading Nolan Arenado, among others. This is not to say that the Cardinals will not use free agency to improve their roster. At worst, any free agents they sign may become trade bait before the trade deadline.
Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report recently projected that the Cardinals would sign reliever José Leclerc this winter. Leclerc would join a talented Cardinals bullpen, however there has been speculation that St. Louis may move closer Ryan Helsley. “José Leclerc has been a major leaguer for eight seasons, and at no point has his stock been steady,” Rymer said. “His career highs include ERAs in the 1.00s or 2.00s in 2018, 2022, and 2023, the latter of which resulted in a World Series ring with the Rangers.” The lows include a season lost due to Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a fairly forgettable year in 2024.
“His 36.0 whiff rate slipped into the 96th percentile, with righties in particular feeling his wrath with a 36.3 strikeout percentage. Leclerc’s hard-hit rate was also in the 96th percentile, so his profile remains one of a man who is simply not fun to hit against. He’s well worth a chance on a low-risk transaction.” Leclerc is extremely skilled and is expected to sign for less than $10 million over the next two years, according to Spotrac.
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Throughout his major league career, the righty has been better than he has been awful. He may not be an outstanding closer, but he could definitely serve as a high leverage pitcher in the Cardinals’ bullpen.
