The 2026 season will begin shortly after a long offseason. Free agency has quieted down, and now it is almost time for all 30 teams in Major League Baseball to get back into action.
There are still some free agents available, however. Veteran reliever Jose Leclerc missed most of the 2025 season with the Athletics after undergoing shoulder surgery and is still unsigned with less than two weeks until opening day.
However, MLB Network insider Jon Heyman posted a video on X of Leclerc throwing a bullpen session on Friday and beginning his comeback bid.
“Jose Leclerc threw his first bullpen (Friday) and reported that he felt great. 87-89,” Heyman reported. “He’s still tracking for July return.”
Before his shoulder injury, Leclerc appeared in just 10 games for the Athletics, going 0-1 with a 6.00 ERA and striking out eight batters in nine total innings pitched. Injuries have been a problem for the veteran right-hander over the course of his career.
However, from 2022-2024, he enjoyed a solid stretch. He helped the Texas Rangers win their first World Series title in 2023, serving as their primary closer. If he can get back to his old form upon his return, then he should be in good shape, and teams will certainly show interest in signing him.
For his career, the 32-year-old owns a 3.34 ERA and 41 saves over 360 appearances. If he can get healthy, he could be a very solid addition for teams in need of bullpen help and play a big role for a contending team down the stretch.
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