Rangers pick up one-year option on RHP Jose Leclerc

The Texas Rangers elected to pick up the one-year, $6 million contract option for right-hander Jose Leclerc and bring back the reliever for 2023.

The option was available at the end of Leclerc's four-year, $14.75 million contract signed in March of 2019. There is also a $6.25 million club option available for the 2024 season with a $500,000 buyout.

Leclerc, 28, was 0-3 this past season with a 2.83 ERA in 39 relief appearances. He also had seven saves in 47 2/3 innings. It was an impressive return after Leclerc missed the 2021 season after undergoing Tommy John surgery.

In six major league seasons, all with the Rangers, Leclerc is 6-13 with a 3.12 ERA in 229 appearances (three starts). He has 317 strikeouts in 236 2/3 innings.