"Dodgers of the AL","Sneaky good signing" - Fans react to Athletics' $10,000,000 acquisition of Jose Leclerc

The Athletics became baseball's biggest enemy when they moved out of Oakland last year and settled for a future in Las Vegas. However, the move has made them active this offseason as they continue with a "sneaky" signing spree.

On Friday, the A's made another big move by signing right-hander José Leclerc to a one-year, $10 million deal. Last season, with the Texas Rangers, Leclerc went 6-5, posting a 4.32 ERA and 1.32 WHIP while striking out 89.

Fans lauded the Athletics for their spending decisions following the acquisition of Jose Leclerc.

"Can't wait to be at opening day and see the A's play," one fan commented.

"I think this offseason has been the most I've seen the As spend on players," another fan wrote.

"Sneaky good signing. had a bit of a down year but has been super reliable in his career. A's are going to win the West this year," another added.

Fan Reactions

Some fans compared them to the ever-spending LA Dodgers.

"As the new Dodgers of the AL," one fan wrote.

"Big spenders in Oakamento!" another fan said.

"Wishing Jose great success- he’s a solid pitcher and great person who responds to fans. Hope California is good to you! See you in Texas! Mitch Lowe," another added.

Athletics gets resourceful this offseason

In the last five years, there was a pattern associated with the Athletics' business in the offseason. The team would trade away their best player in exchange for assets and strike minimum deals with players they felt were undervalued in the market.

However, this offseason, there is a significant shift in the narrative as John Fisher's side seems to want to get back to being competitive.

The Athletics have reshaped their roster with a series of notable signings and trades this offseason. They added right-handed pitcher Luis Severino on a franchise-record three-year, $67 million deal. Moreover, the club extended one of their best sluggers, Brent Rooker, to a five-year, $60 million deal.

In a trade with the Tampa Bay Rays, the A’s acquired left-handed pitcher Jeffrey Springs. Third baseman Gio Urshela joined the team on a one-year, $2.15 million contract.

The bullpen received a boost with the signing of right-handed reliever Jose Leclerc, and left-handed reliever T.J. McFarland re-signed on a one-year, $1.8 million deal.