MLB news

Leclerc struggled to make it back last season after shoulder surgery in 2025 and was released by the Padres in September after amassing a 7.77 ERA in 22 appearances in the minors. The former Rangers closer is still just 32, and he’ll try to get back on the radar of major league teams this winter.

Leclerc was making his way back from last August’s shoulder surgery, but he posted just a 7.77 ERA in 24 1/3 innings in the Padres’ minor league system and an 11.74 ERA in seven appearances at Triple-A specifically. We’d expect him to get another minor league contract in the offseason.

Leclerc made just 10 relief appearances for the Athletics before undergoing season-ending shoulder surgery last August. The 32-year-old veteran reliever has plenty of high-leverage experience from his closing days with the Rangers and represents a worthwhile low-risk gamble for the Padres on the chance that he’s able to contribute later this season.