Jose Leclerc (RP, TEX) - Week 21 Waiver Wire Pickups

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OWNED IN: 29% of leagues

ANALYSIS:  Texas Rangers relief pitcher Jose Leclerc appears to be making the most of a change to the closer's role. With both Keone Kela and Jake Diekman shipped off to contenders at the non-waiver trade deadline, Leclerc has seen his fantasy value sky rocket.

The 24-year-old has always missed bats at an impressive clip (12.9 strikeouts/nine this season), but this year he has improved his control substantially. While he had nowhere to go but down from last year's horrific 7.88 BB/9 and 20.0 BB%, this year's marks (4.03 BB/9, 11.4 BB%) represent a major step forward. Considering that he has elite strikeout potential and has 28.9% soft hit ball rate, his 30.2% ground ball rate can be excused.

Texas does not really have any other appealing options for the closer role, so you can expect Leclerc to get most of their save opportunities down the stretch. He only has three saves this season, as well as 15 holds, and has a 2.01 ERA in 41 2/3 innings. Despite that, he remains available on the wire in just a bit more than three-quarters of leagues. Any owner in need of saves should pick him up immediately.