2 crafty NY Mets free agent signings for the bullpen to make, 1 flashier addition to avoid

The Mets should sign Jose Leclerc

Another pitcher in a similar boat to Milner is Jose Leclerc. His 4.32 ERA from this past season doesn’t seem to have any numbers supporting its sustainability. Not only has he consistently been a solid bullpen arm for the Texas Rangers for multiple seasons, but underlying numbers suggest a rebound in 2025.

Leclerc’s aforementioned ERA came with a 1.32 WHIP and 3.48 FIP. The veteran right-hander pitched 66.2 innings, which is the second most he has tossed in a single season. Leclerc has always struggled to limit walks, but his 11.1% free pass rate was better than his career average of 13.2%. He helped offset a mediocre walk rate with a K% of just over 30% at 30.9%, as well as an above-average 0.95 HR/9 rate.

Along with decent rate numbers, Leclerc was above average at limiting hard contact. His 87.4 MPH exit velo was in the top 84th percentile of pitchers this season, while his 7.4% barrel rate clocked in at the 56th percentile. But he’s shown to be even better at limiting quality contact in previous years, as his career barrel percentage is 5%.

Despite his ERA over 4.30, Leclerc posted some of his best underlying numbers. His 3.26 SIERA and 3.66 xFIP are both the second-best of his career, with only his 2018 season grading out better in the eyes of these two stats. Despite a sub-3.00 ERA in both 2022 and 2023, he only had a 3.82 SIERA and 4.56 xFIP. Leclerc’s overall stuff looked as good as ever, with a 110 Stuff+ mark.

Looking at a player’s ERA isn’t the best way to evaluate pitchers, especially when it comes to relievers. Milner and Leclerc are two guys who are primed to put up better surface numbers in 2025. Their game hasn’t changed much compared to previous seasons, where they were more effective overall.