The Atlanta Braves are no strangers to working deals with the Athletics. Most notably, the team added and extended both Matt Olson and Sean Murphy. The A's are one of a handful of teams the Braves have consistently been able to work deals with. This relationship could once again come in handy when it comes to reinforcing Atlanta's bullpen. Veteran reliever José Leclerc has had a rough time with the Athletics and could obviously use a change of scenery.
Leclerc's rough start could become Atlanta's opportunity. This is the second season in a row the reliever hasn't put up the expected production after struggling with consistency last year with the Rangers. However, these are the outliers with Leclerc having put together productive seasons and having a career 41 saves. The reliever has been used in a myriad of roles and would instantly make the Braves' bullpen better.
José Leclerc is Perfect Atlanta Braves Reclamation Project For Struggling Bullpen
It is the type of savvy move Atlanta's front office has made consistently for the last half-decade. While they don't always work, there have been moments the team would have been lost without them. The famous 2021 World Series team had key additions to a number of positions. This included struggling players who simply weren't getting it done with their current teams.
Just this season, we see examples of this in Atlanta shortstop Nick Allen and outfielder Alex Verdugo. Where would Atlanta be without the unexpected contributions of both players? The Braves need to find this same type of value to add to the bullpen. Trading for the reliever isn't likely to be expensive and gives the unit a far higher upside.
Adding to this point that this is a likely bargain is the fact that Leclerc is on a one-year deal worth $10 million. Already, the Athletics have found other bullpen answers to aid the team's fast start. This is the only reason why the Braves could have a hard time working out the deal. This isn't the failing Athletics teams of the past few seasons. The hot start could have the Athletics a bit more patient with the veteran reliever refusing to give up on the investment this easily.
Still, the potential fit and bargain are simply far too clear not to explore the possibility. Atlanta owes not only to an underwhelming bullpen but to a fanbase searching for a reason to believe after an impossibly awful start.