Wade LeBlanc Signs A One-Year Contract With The Pirates

Today, the Pittsburgh Pirates and left-handed relief pitcher Wade LeBlanc agreed to a new one-year contract avoiding arbitration.

The deadline for Major League Baseball teams to tender contract to arbitration eligible players is 8 PM. Thus far, the Pirates have made a move with a pair of their arbitration eligible players.

The first move came earlier this week they designated left-handed pitcher Jeff Locke for assignment. The second move came earlier today. On Friday afternoon the Pirates and left-handed relief pitcher Wade LeBlanc agree to a new one-year contract.

In 2017 Wade LeBlanc will earn 750,000 dollars. His contract includes a club option for 2018. If this option is picked up, LeBlanc would be slated to earn 1.25 million dollars in 2018. This includes a 50,000 buyout if his option is not picked up.

LeBlanc came to the Pirates in September of 2016 when he was claimed off waivers. In September of 2016 LeBlanc pitched 12 innings for the Pirates. In these 12 innings pitched he allowed just seven hits, he struck out ten batters, and walked just two. LeBlanc did not allow a home run as a Pirate, either.

These results led to LeBlanc owning a 0.75 ERA and a 1.98 FIP as a Pirate. He also owned a strong WHIP of 0.75. Maybe, Ray Searage has found something in LeBlanc. Entering the 2017 season, I expect Wade LeBlanc to be the long-man in the Pirates’ bullpen.

Wade LeBlanc’s 2017 Steamer Projections are those of a solid long reliever. He is projected to post a 3.89 ERA, 3.96 FIP, 0.8 WAR, and to average 7.50 K/9 in 2017.

The Pittsburgh Pirates have not settled contracts with any other arbitration eligible players. Additionally, they have yet to announce which players will be tendered contracts. Their six remaining arbitration eligible players are Drew Hutchison, Gerrit Cole, Jared Hughes, Jordy Mercer, Juan Nicasio, and Tony Watson. Other than possibly Jared Hughes, I expect all of these players to be tendered contracts.

Next: 2016 Recap: Second Base