MLB.com connects World Series winning free agent relief pitcher to Pirates
Title: Share on Facebook The Pittsburgh Pirates have traded for first baseman Spencer Horwitz to improve their infield and offense, but still need to address their bullpen issues. Starting pitching is a strength for the Pirates, but their relief pitching significantly underperformed last season. The team lost key relievers Aroldis Chapman and Jalen Beeks to free agency and has not yet filled those gaps. David Bednar remains the team's closer, but he struggled in the previous season, suggesting the need for additional late-inning support. The Pirates currently have only one left-handed reliever, Joey Wentz, indicating a need for more southpaw options in the bullpen. The Pirates' bullpen had the fourth-highest ERA in the league last season, highlighting the urgency to improve their relief pitching. MLB.com identified former Texas Rangers reliever Jose Leclerc as a potential fit for the Pirates in an article discussing free agent options. Leclerc is a right-handed pitcher who had a down year in 2024 but could be signed to a one-year contract to rebuild his value. Despite a higher-than-average ERA in 2024, Leclerc had a solid strikeout rate, indicating potential for improvement. With financial flexibility after Chapman's departure, the Pirates are positioned to afford a reliever like Leclerc to enhance their bullpen for the 2025 season.
Original Article: https://rumbunter.com/mlb-com-connects-world-series-winning-free-agent-relief-pitcher-to-pirates-jose-leclerc
Original Article Author: Emma Lingan
