Veteran left-hander Wade LeBlanc has exercised the opt-out clause in his minor league deal with the Brewers and is once again a free agent, the team announced Thursday.
The 36-year-old LeBlanc opened the year with the Orioles but was designated for assignment and elected free agency in April. He joined Milwaukee on a minor league pact a few days later and made four starts for their Triple-A club, with solid results. In 16 2/3 frames, LeBlanc allowed seven runs on 12 hits and seven walks with 14 strikeouts — good for a 3.78 ERA.
LeBlanc also spent the 2020 season with the Orioles, and none of his time in Baltimore proved particularly productive. He tossed 29 frames as an Oriole and surrendered 27 runs on 38 hits and nine walks with 19 strikeouts.
LeBlanc’s last quality season at the big league level came with the 2018 Mariners, when he tossed 162 innings of 3.72 ERA ball at the back of their rotation. He was a steady performer from 2014-18 in 321 1/3 innings split between the Pirates, Yankees, Angels and Mariners, logging a combined 3.92 ERA in that time. Overall, LeBlanc carries a 4.59 ERA in 889 innings as a Major Leaguer. A club in need of some veteran depth due to injuries in its rotation (e.g. Rangers, D-backs, Mets) could take a low-risk look at the lefty now that he’s once again on the market.
HalosHeavenJJ
At this point, come on back to Anaheim. Worst case is you ride the AAA/MLB shuttle like Barria, Pena, and Peters.
Al Hirschen
Next stop Mets ,then the DL
greatgame 2
He had a $700k salary in his pocket that is now gone. He is done.
StudWinfield
I think that was guaranteed once he made the Orioles 26 man earlier this year. They released him so BAL on the hook for it minus whatever he makes being on other rosters.
texasfury93
Astros? I think we need pitching with everyone going on the IL left and right.
Rsox
Astros are getting Odorizzi and Valdez back soon. No need for LeBlanc
greatgame 2
LeBlancs xFIP is 4.62 and Volstads xFIP is 4.30. Luck is a huge factor. I would take the lower one.
Jgwi2az
Weird trend. Dee strange-Gordon and now Leblanc. Meanwhile the team is struggling with the current roster
afsooner02
Gordon I agree with…should have brought him up….but we wasted too much money on JBJ to cut bait.
As for Leblanc, the brewers are fine on pitching. He wouldn’t be much of an addition.
KCJ
Jgwi2az –
Not weird. You just named 2 guys that would be of no help to the current roster. That is why they are currently not on anyone’s MLB roster. They have nothing of value to offer
bobtillman
I would think the Marlins. Don’t you serve LeBlanc with fish?
Orel Saxhiser
Unrelated: Will May 27 now be known as Will Craig Day across Major League Baseball?
ABCD
El Mago!!!
Monkey’s Uncle
Being a Pirates fan is never boring. You’re rarely happy, but it’s never boring.
frustratedpittsburghpiratesfan
Will Craig was a Pittsburgh Pirates former #1 Draft Pick.
How about that Pittsburgh Pirates talent evaluation and player development?
Now the Pirates are a true Laughing Stock!!
Keep up the enabling those Small Markets MLB !! You guys are doing a great job.
Ownership there has been greedy and terrible for over 25 years!
Gwynning's Anal Lover
Met
FullMontilla
Mutt
Gwynning's Anal Lover
Met
racosun
Twenty bucks says the Detroit Lions sign him as a WR.
Rounding3rd
And the Lions would give up a first round draft pick too
cards81
Cardinals could use a lefty in the bullpen…he couldn’t be worse than Webb
KENNETH A LICHTIG
Hey Moreno!! Get your checkbook ready. Don’t overpay!!
KCJ
Opted out after 4 starts? Sounds like he gave this a real legitimate shot. So what’s that, 20 days Wade? Pathetic. Don’t let the door hit ya on the way out, you mental midget. Milwaukee can do a whole lot better than Wade Miley, just like every other MLB team can
Rsox
Wrong Wade, LeBlanc not Miley. Though Miley was pretty good in the postseason for the Brewers in 2018
bravesfan
Man, if the O’s don’t want you, then count your blessings and play wherever until you’re cut, even in the minors. I’m sure there is more to it, but still… hard to see any team take a flyer on him
UWPSUPERFAN77
Never saw so much traffic on a Ham and Egger! Ops. I am commenting on this Too!
Cohn Joppolella
Mets or maybe the Yankees
PiratesFan1981
Wade joins Pirates and is inserted as middle reliever. Traded to Yankees and helps them win the World Series!
On a more serious note, Wade is hanging on a thread right now. Maybe it’s time to hang up the cleats.
lippy10195
Welcome to the Phillies.