Athletics Sign Jose Leclerc, Shotaro Morii

The Oakland Athletics have made significant moves this offseason, recently signing right-handed reliever José Leclerc to a one-year, $10 million contract. Leclerc, who previously played for the Texas Rangers, brings a mix of experience and potential despite a challenging 2024 season where he recorded a 4.32 ERA. The Athletics have also been active in acquiring other talent, including ace Luis Severino and two-way Japanese prospect Shotaro Morii, who signed for a record $1.5 million bonus for an amateur player not coming from Japan's Nippon Professional Baseball. Morii's dual capabilities as a shortstop and pitcher highlight his potential, and he expressed a strong desire to excel in the professional baseball environment. General manager David Forst's aggressive spending strategy appears aimed at reversing the team's playoff drought and preparing for their upcoming move to Sacramento. Overall, these additions signify the A's commitment to rebuilding and enhancing their roster for the 2025 season.