The St. Louis Cardinals appear poised to enter a long-anticipated rebuild this offseason. The team has already moved on from several veteran players, and reports suggest the front office is exploring trades for key pieces like Nolan Arenado. However, this doesn’t rule out the possibility of the Cardinals utilizing free agency to bolster their roster. Any free agents they acquire could potentially serve as trade assets by the next deadline.
Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report recently predicted that the Cardinals might sign reliever José Leclerc this offseason. Leclerc would bring his talents to a Cardinals bullpen that could see changes, as there are rumors that closer Ryan Helsley may be traded.
“José Leclerc has been a major leaguer for eight seasons, and at no point has his stock been steady,” Rymer noted. “His highs include ERAs in the 1.00s or 2.00s in 2018, 2022, and 2023, the latter capped off with a World Series title with the Rangers. His lows include missing the 2021 season due to Tommy John surgery and a largely forgettable 2024 campaign.”
Despite inconsistencies, Leclerc remains a formidable pitcher. His 36.0% whiff rate ranked in the 96th percentile, with right-handed hitters especially struggling against him, posting a 36.3% strikeout rate. Additionally, his hard-hit rate also landed in the 96th percentile, showcasing his ability to stifle opposing batters. Rymer described him as “a guy who is just no fun to hit against” and suggested he’s worth taking a chance on with a low-risk deal.
Spotrac projects Leclerc to sign for under $10 million over two years, making him an affordable option. While he may not be an elite closer, his skills make him a strong candidate for high-leverage situations in the Cardinals’ bullpen.
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