The St. Louis Cardinals appear to be entering a long-anticipated rebuild this offseason. While the team has already moved on from some veteran players, the front office is reportedly open to trading star third baseman Nolan Arenado, among other key pieces. However, this doesn’t mean the Cardinals will shy away from free agency to bolster their roster. At the very least, any free agent acquisitions could serve as trade assets by the midseason deadline.
One potential signing for the Cardinals could be reliever José Leclerc, as recently predicted by Zachary Rymer of Bleacher Report. Leclerc, a talented bullpen arm, would add depth to the Cardinals’ relief corps, especially amidst speculation that closer Ryan Helsley might be traded.
“José Leclerc has been a major leaguer for eight seasons, and at no point has his stock been steady,” Rymer wrote. “His highs include ERAs in the 1.00s or 2.00s in 2018, 2022, and 2023, the last of which saw him win a World Series ring with the Rangers. The lows include a season lost to Tommy John surgery in 2021 and an inconsistent campaign in 2024.”
Despite some ups and downs, Leclerc remains a high-upside option. In 2023, his 36% whiff rate placed him in the 96th percentile, and he dominated right-handed hitters, posting a 36.3% strikeout rate against them. Additionally, his hard-hit rate was also in the 96th percentile, cementing his reputation as a pitcher who is difficult to face. Rymer argues that these factors make him an attractive option for the Cardinals on a low-risk deal.
Leclerc is projected to command less than $10 million over two years, according to Spotrac, making him a relatively affordable addition for a team in transition. Over his career, the right-handed reliever has been more consistent than not, delivering quality performances in high-leverage situations. While he may not be an elite closer, his skill set could still provide significant value to the Cardinals’ bullpen.
For St. Louis, adding Leclerc could align with their broader rebuilding strategy. If the team struggles to compete in 2025, Leclerc could become a valuable trade piece at the deadline, potentially bringing back prospects or other assets. On the other hand, if the Cardinals exceed expectations, Leclerc’s presence could help solidify their bullpen and aid a potential playoff push.
As the Cardinals navigate their offseason rebuild, the addition of José Leclerc could be a savvy move that provides flexibility and upside for the team moving forward.
