How long has Jose Leclerc been with the Rangers?

In the world of Major League Baseball, loyalty between a player and a team is a rare and admirable trait.

José Ramón Leclerc, the Dominican professional baseball relief pitcher for the Texas Rangers, exemplifies this commitment, having been with the Rangers for over a decade.

José Leclerc’s remarkable journey with the Texas Rangers began in November 2010 when he signed with the team as an international free agent.

Leclerc’s professional debut came in 2011 with the DSL Rangers, marking the first steps in a journey that would lead him to the highest level of the game.

On July 5, 2016, the Texas Rangers decided it was time to call up Leclerc to the Major Leagues.  José Leclerc’s impact on the Texas Rangers continued to grow.

In 2017, he made the Opening Day roster, setting the stage for a successful season that saw him finish with a 2-3 record, a 3.94 ERA, and 60 strikeouts in 45⅔ innings.

Leclerc’s contributions did not go unnoticed. In 2018, he was named the 2018 Rangers’ Pitcher of the Year by the Dallas-Fort Worth chapter of the Baseball Writers’ Association of America, solidifying his importance to the team.

The bond between José Leclerc and the Texas Rangers deepened in March 2019 when the team signed him to a four-year contract extension through the 2022 season, with additional club options for 2023 and 2024.

Leclerc’s journey was not without obstacles. In 2020, he faced the unique challenges brought about by the pandemic, limiting his appearances to just two games.

He demonstrated resilience, returning to the MLB scene in June 2022 after completing his rehab. During that season, Leclerc went 0-3 with a 2.83 ERA, recorded 54 strikeouts, and secured seven saves over 47⅔ innings.