Who are the Texas Rangers “Untouchables” in Trade Talks?

Jose Leclerc

Now for the curveball. This probably isn’t the first name that popped into your head when you considered untouchables. However, Jose Leclerc has quickly developed into one of the Rangers best relievers and he’s only 24-years old, relatively young for a pitcher. This season will be Leclerc’s first real season that is spent mostly in the Majors and he has impressed over and over. Currently he holds the lowest ERA in the bullpen among those who have appeared in more than 5 games at just 2.54. His 38 strikeouts in just 28.1 innings showcases the swing and miss ability Leclerc possesses on the mound. Perhaps more importantly than all of that however is what the Rangers may view as his future role.

The value in Jose Leclerc may be that the Rangers view him as the heir apparent to take over as closer if and when Keone Kela leaves. Despite only being a year younger, Leclerc is without a doubt well behind Kela in terms of service time and development meaning he is still trending upwards. Kela on the other hand, is playing peak baseball which means his value is arguably as high as it’ll ever get, which is why Texas is considering trading him. If Texas does trade Kela, Jose Leclerc becomes the most important arm in the Rangers bullpen as he really becomes the only true young, late inning arm that’s remotely close to big league level. If the Rangers view Jose Leclerc as their closer of the future, he is 100% untouchable in trade talks this summer.

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