Padres Sign Jose Leclerc to Minor-League Deal The San Diego Padres have signed right-handed reliever Jose Leclerc to a minor-league contract, according to Jon Heyman of the New York Post. The deal comes as Leclerc continues his recovery from right shoulder surgery, though he has recently resumed throwing off the mound and is targeting a season debut by July. The 32-year-old pitcher, who has spent parts of nine major-league seasons with various teams, is expected to contribute to the Padres' bullpen once he is fully healthy. Leclerc’s career statistics include a 13.1 percent walk rate and a 30.8 percent strikeout rate, reflecting his ability to generate swings and misses while occasionally walking batters. However, his return to full strength after shoulder surgery remains uncertain. While there is optimism that his fastball and breaking ball could regain their previous effectiveness, the Padres will likely monitor his progress closely before assigning him a role in high-leverage situations. The signing adds depth to the Padres' minor-league system, providing flexibility as they navigate the challenges of the 2025 season. Leclerc’s potential contribution could be significant if he is able to return to form, though his timeline for readiness is still in flux. The team’s decision to pursue him suggests they believe in his upside despite the risks associated with his injury history. Recent updates indicate that Leclerc has been working through rehabilitation steps, including throwing off the mound, which is a critical milestone in his recovery. While there is no guarantee his velocity or movement will fully rebound, the Padres’ investment in his development highlights their commitment to bolstering their pitching depth.#san_diego_padres #jose_leclerc #new_york_post #minor_league #pitching_depth
