The St. Louis Cardinals appear poised to embark on a period of rebuilding and restructuring this offseason, signaling a shift in strategy after a period of contending. This transition is marked by the departure of several veteran players, coupled with reports suggesting the potential trade of star third baseman Nolan Arenado. While this suggests a move away from immediate contention, the Cardinals are not expected to remain entirely inactive in the free agent market. Any free agent signings, even if intended to bolster the team in the short term, could become valuable trade assets as the season progresses and the trade deadline approaches. This dual-purpose approach allows the Cardinals to potentially acquire future prospects while also maintaining a competitive roster in the present.
One potential free agent target for the Cardinals, as predicted by Bleacher Report’s Zachary Rymer, is relief pitcher José Leclerc. Leclerc, a seasoned major leaguer with eight years of experience, presents an intriguing combination of high potential and proven performance, albeit marked by some inconsistency. He has demonstrated flashes of brilliance, achieving impressive ERAs in the 1.00s and 2.00s in multiple seasons, including the 2023 season, which culminated in a World Series victory with the Texas Rangers. However, his career trajectory has also been punctuated by setbacks, including a season lost to Tommy John surgery in 2021 and a less memorable performance in 2024.
Despite the fluctuations in his performance, Leclerc possesses undeniable talent, particularly evident in his high strikeout rates and ability to induce weak contact. His 36.0% whiff rate in a recent season placed him in the 96th percentile among MLB pitchers, demonstrating his ability to generate swings and misses. This proficiency is especially pronounced against right-handed hitters, who have historically struggled against Leclerc’s arsenal. While he also exhibits a high hard-hit rate, this is somewhat mitigated by his ability to avoid solid contact, making him a challenging matchup for opposing batters.
The potential addition of Leclerc to the Cardinals’ bullpen is particularly interesting given the existing talent within the relief corps and the potential departure of closer Ryan Helsley. While Helsley’s potential trade would create a void in the closer role, Leclerc’s experience and strikeout ability would make him a valuable asset in high-leverage situations, whether or not he assumes the closing duties. His presence would provide depth and flexibility to the bullpen, allowing the Cardinals to utilize him strategically in various late-inning scenarios.
Furthermore, the projected cost of acquiring Leclerc makes him an even more attractive option for the Cardinals. Spotrac estimates his market value at less than $10 million over two years, representing a relatively low-risk investment for a pitcher with his upside. This cost-effectiveness aligns with the Cardinals’ rebuilding strategy, allowing them to add talent without committing significant financial resources. Even if Leclerc does not become a long-term fixture in the Cardinals’ bullpen, his performance and relatively affordable contract could make him a desirable trade chip at the deadline, potentially yielding valuable prospects in return.
In essence, the Cardinals’ pursuit of José Leclerc represents a shrewd and multifaceted approach to team building during a period of transition. His talent, affordability, and potential trade value align with the Cardinals’ strategic objectives, making him a compelling target this offseason. While his career has been marked by some inconsistency, the flashes of brilliance and underlying talent suggest that Leclerc could be a valuable addition to the Cardinals’ bullpen, either as a key contributor or as a trade asset to further bolster their rebuilding efforts. This calculated move reflects the Cardinals’ commitment to building a sustainable and competitive team for the future, even as they navigate a period of change and restructuring.
