A’s sign lefty Mark Leiter Jr. to 1-year, $3M deal

The Oakland Athletics just dipped into free agency to add some muscle to their bullpen. They signed veteran right-hander Mark Leiter Jr. on a one-year deal worth about $3 million.

The A’s are still reshaping their pitching staff, searching for reliability and experience. Leiter brings durability, postseason poise, and a knack for ground balls—qualities that might actually matter in hitter-friendly Sutter Health Park.

Mark Leiter Jr. to Oakland: Terms, Context, and Expectations

Leiter’s deal with the Athletics is for one year and sits around $3 million. For a 34-year-old reliever with seven big-league seasons, that’s not a huge splash, but it’s not nothing either.

The contract hinges on a physical, which is pretty standard. Once that’s done, it’s official.

Leiter hit free agency after the New York Yankees non-tendered him this winter. Even so, his recent performance and skill set kept him on the radar for teams looking for bullpen depth and playoff-tested arms.

A Journeyman Reliever with Staying Power

Leiter’s road to Oakland hasn’t been straightforward. He debuted with the Phillies back in 2017 and now joins his fifth major league club, gearing up for his seventh MLB season.

He’s pitched in 270 games, mostly as a reliever lately, and carries a 4.60 ERA. Not eye-popping, but steady enough.

What stands out is his ability to eat innings, adapt to different roles, and hold his own in tight spots. That’s exactly the kind of veteran presence the A’s seem to like for their young, shifting pitching staff.

The High Point: A Breakout Year with the Cubs

Leiter’s breakout came in 2023 with the Cubs. He was a workhorse out of their bullpen and became a key part of their relief crew.

He appeared in a career-high 69 games that year, showing he could handle the grind. That run with the Cubs helped him shed the “fringe arm” label and get a shot as a late-inning option.

From Chicago to New York: A Playoff-Proven Arm

After his strong year in Chicago, Leiter landed with the Yankees in 2024. He found a role quickly, especially in the postseason.

In the ALCS, he filled in after an injury opened a spot. Then, in the 2024 World Series, he pitched four games without allowing a run. That kind of calm under pressure is rare, and it’s no wonder teams value it.

Evaluating Leiter’s 2025 Season and Non-Tender Decision

Leiter’s 2025 regular season with the Yankees was a bit rocky. In 59 appearances, he posted a 4.84 ERA, which probably factored into the Yankees’ decision to non-tender him and skip a potential arbitration raise.

Oakland saw an opening. Instead of dwelling on the ERA, they’re betting on his overall track record, skill set, and the relatively low price tag.

Ground Ball Specialist in a Hitter-Friendly Environment

Leiter’s known as a ground ball specialist. He keeps the ball down, induces weak contact, and limits home runs—exactly what you want in a park that leans hitter-friendly like Sutter Health Park.

By bringing in a reliever who relies on grounders, Oakland’s making a move that fits their new ballpark. If Leiter sticks to his strengths, he might blunt some of the park’s offensive edge.

What Mark Leiter Jr. Brings to the Oakland Bullpen

Leiter gives the A’s a mix of experience, adaptability, and a bit of an edge. He should help bridge the gap between young pitchers and the late innings.

Here’s what Oakland gets:

A Low-Risk, Potentially High-Reward Move for Oakland

Oakland’s front office always seems to watch every dollar, so picking up a veteran like Leiter on a one-year, $3 million contract just fits their style. It’s a low-risk play that could pay off big.

If Leiter comes anywhere close to his 2023–24 performance, the Athletics might have landed a steady bullpen arm for a steal.

Assuming he passes his physical, Mark Leiter Jr. heads to Oakland with a pretty straightforward job: hold down the middle innings, get ground balls, and bring some of that postseason grit to a staff that could really use it.

This team needs reliability and a bit of leadership, especially as they try to turn the page at Sutter Health Park. Maybe Leiter’s the guy to help make that happen—time will tell.

 
Here is the source article for this story: Sources: A’s, Leiter Jr. agree to 1-year, $3M deal