Mark Leiter Jr. Joins the Athletics: A Bold Move or a Bargain Buy?
In a move that’s sure to spark debate among baseball fans, the Oakland Athletics have reportedly inked a one-year, $2.85 million deal with right-handed pitcher Mark Leiter Jr., pending a physical. But here’s where it gets intriguing: Leiter, who turns 35 in March, has been a statistical enigma throughout his career, flashing elite potential yet struggling to consistently deliver on it. Could this be the season he finally puts it all together, or is he just another middle reliever with untapped promise? Let’s dive in.
Leiter’s journey to Oakland has been anything but straightforward. After making his MLB debut in 2017, he didn’t truly find his footing until joining the Chicago Cubs in 2022. There, he served as a versatile swingman and long reliever, posting a respectable 3.99 ERA across 67 2/3 innings. In 2023, he transitioned to a full-time short relief role, where he thrived with a 3.75 ERA and a stellar 3.12 FIP over 100 2/3 innings, striking out 30.9% of batters while walking just 8.8%. Those numbers caught the Yankees’ attention, who acquired him at the 2024 trade deadline. But here’s the twist: despite maintaining strong peripheral stats in New York, Leiter’s ERA ballooned to 4.89 in 70 innings. And this is the part most people miss: his 4.07 FIP suggests he was the victim of bad luck, not declining skill.
Heading into 2026, the A’s are betting on Leiter’s upside. His 4.15 ERA over the past four seasons is league average, but his splitter makes him a nightmare for left-handed batters. Against lefties, he’s posted a dominant 2.49 ERA and 2.57 FIP with a 32.1% strikeout rate over the last three years. That’s not just good—it’s elite. But here’s the controversial take: Leiter’s career has been plagued by poor luck on batted balls, as evidenced by his .359 BABIP and 66.5% strand rate over the past two seasons. If those numbers regress to the mean, he could be a game-changer in Oakland’s bullpen.
But is this a risky move for the A’s? Some might argue that Leiter’s non-tender by the Yankees is a red flag. However, his 3.13 SIERA over the past three seasons ranks 13th among relievers with at least 150 innings, putting him in the same tier as late-inning stalwarts like Luke Weaver. If Leiter can finally align his results with his peripherals, he could emerge as a high-leverage setup man for Oakland.
The A’s bullpen already boasts solid arms like Hogan Harris and Michael Kelly, and adding Leiter—even on a modest contract—could be a savvy move. With veterans Jeffrey Springs and Luis Severino anchoring the rotation, the pitching staff is taking shape. But the bigger question remains: How much will ownership invest to elevate this team to contention in 2026? Regardless, Leiter’s addition is a low-risk, high-reward play that could pay dividends.
What do you think? Is Leiter poised for a breakout season, or will his luck (or lack thereof) continue to hold him back? Let us know in the comments below. And don’t forget: Robbie Hyde of Foul Territory broke the news, with Janie McCauley of The Associated Press confirming the $2.85 million guarantee, initially hinted at by ESPN’s Jesse Rogers.
