Wade LeBlanc

LeBlanc was drafted by the Tampa Bay Devil Rays in the 36th round of the 2003 Major League Baseball draft out of Alfred M. Barbe High School, but instead decided to attend the University of Alabama, where he played college baseball for the Alabama Crimson Tide. In 2004, LeBlanc was named the Baseball America Freshman of the Year, becoming only the sixth SEC player and first pitcher since 1995 to win the award.{{cite news |title=LeBlanc voted top freshman |url=https://www.tuscaloosanews.com/story/news/2004/06/26/leblanc-voted-top-freshman/27868735007/ |access-date=9 December 2024 |date=25 June 2004}} In 2005, he played collegiate summer baseball with the Wareham Gatemen of the Cape Cod Baseball League and was named a league all-star.{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org.ismmedia.com/ISM3/std-content/repos/Top/2012website/archives/Current%20Year/All_Time_MLB_CCBL_Alumni.pdf |title=Major League Baseball Players From the Cape Cod League |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=September 25, 2019}}{{cite web|url=http://www.thebaseballcube.com/college/summer/stats.asp?Y=2005&T=Wareham_Gatemen |title=2005 Wareham Gatemen |publisher=thebaseballcube.com |accessdate=September 23, 2021}}{{cite web|url=http://capecodbaseball.org/news/asgnews/index.html?article_id=501 |title=CCBL West All-Star Roster |publisher=capecodbaseball.org |access-date=May 6, 2020}}

The San Diego Padres selected LeBlanc in the second round of the 2006 Major League Baseball draft.

He posted a 5–1 record and a 3.02 ERA in 14 games, 10 starts, from Short-Season Eugene Emeralds and the Class-A Fort Wayne Wizards in {{Baseball year|2006}}. On June 29 against the Vancouver Canadians he earned his first win in his professional debut, tossing one scoreless inning of relief. He was promoted to Fort Wayne on July 24. He tossed four scoreless innings, allowing four hits and no walks while striking out seven in his Wizards' debut on July 28. He won his final three starts from August 18 to September 2, giving up just two runs over 15 innings. He struck out a season-high eight batters over five scoreless innings on August 27.

File:WadeLeBlancPracticePitchSept2011.jpg

LeBlanc spent the majority of the {{Baseball year|2008}} season with the Triple-A Portland Beavers, pitching in 26 games, all but one of which he started. He ranked second in the Pacific Coast League in strikeouts with 139 and tied for third in wins with 11. He was the third Portland pitcher and the first left-handed pitcher since the team returned to the PCL in {{Baseball year|2001}} to reach the 11-win mark. He won the PCL Pitcher of the Week award on two occasions.

He was called up to the Majors for the first time on September 1, {{mlby|2008}}. He made his Major League debut on September 3, but struggled, allowing four runs on eight hits with one strikeout in four innings. He picked up his first Major League win on September 15 against the Colorado Rockies, yielding four runs over six innings with six strikeouts.

In 2009, he spent the majority of the season in AAA. Upon being called up to the Majors, he had an ERA of 3.69 in 9 starts with a record of 3–1. In 2010, he pitched almost the whole season in the Padres rotation, going 8–12 in 25 starts. In 2011, LeBlanc spent half the season on the disabled list and in the minors. In 14 starts for the Padres, he had a 5–6 record with a 4.63 ERA.

On November 22, 2011, San Diego traded LeBlanc to the Miami Marlins for John Baker.{{cite news|last1=Brock|first1=Corey|title=Padres add catcher Baker in trade with Marlins|url=http://mlb.mlb.com/news/article.jsp?ymd=20111122&content_id=26029700&vkey=news_sd&c_id=sd|access-date=August 27, 2014|work=MLB.com|date=November 22, 2011}}{{cite news|title=Marlins acquire pitcher Wade LeBlanc|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/7271470/miami-marlins-acquire-wade-leblanc-san-diego-padres-john-baker|access-date=August 27, 2014|agency=Associated Press|date=November 22, 2011}} He was sent to triple-A New Orleans Zephyrs.

On June 30, 2012, LeBlanc was called up by the Marlins to replace Edward Mujica, who was placed on the disabled list with a fractured toe.http://www.miamiherald.com › Sports › Miami Marlins & MLB He played his first game as a Marlin on July 3 against the Milwaukee Brewers, and went {{frac|2|3}} of an inning. With Carlos Zambrano struggling, Marlins manager Ozzie Guillen moved Zambrano to the bullpen and let LeBlanc take his spot in the rotation. As a starter, LeBlanc went 1-4. Overall, he pitched in 25 games (9 starts) with a 3.67 ERA, a 1.31 WHIP, 19 walks, 43 strikeouts, and a 2–5 record in 68{{frac|2|3}} innings pitched.

LeBlanc began 2013 as the fourth member of the Marlins rotation, where he made 7 starts before being moved to the bullpen in favor of Tom Koehler. He was designated for assignment on June 3, 2013, one day after picking up his first win in 2013. In 13 games with Miami, he went 1–5 with a 5.18 ERA, striking out 31 in 48{{frac|2|3}} innings.

LeBlanc was claimed off waivers by the Houston Astros on June 8, 2013,{{Cite web|url=https://www.espn.com/mlb/story/_/id/9355948/houston-astros-claim-wade-leblanc-waivers-miami-marlins|title=Astros claim LeBlanc off waivers from Marlins|date=8 June 2013|website=ESPN.com|accessdate=23 July 2023}} and he was inserted into the bullpen. After making 3 appearances, including one on June 23 where he gave up 4 runs in 1{{frac|2|3}} innings, he was designated for assignment on June 24.{{cite web | url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2013/06/astros-designate-wade-lebanc-for-assignment.html | title=Astros Designate Wade LeBlanc for Assignment | date=June 24, 2013 }} He was outrighted to Triple-A Oklahoma City two days later. He was called back up on August 19. He came in the game that day, giving up 5 runs (1 earned) in 2{{frac|2|3}} innings of relief. He was designated for assignment the next day, and was outrighted to Oklahoma City two days later, where he finished the season. In 19 games (7 starts) with the RedHawks, he went 3–1 with a 4.71 ERA, striking out 47 in 49{{frac|2|3}} innings. After the year, LeBlanc became a minor league free agent.

On November 11, 2013, LeBlanc was signed by the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim to a minor league deal with an invitation to Spring training.{{cite web |url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-wade-leblanc-20131111,0,2560592.story#axzz2ku6PUCLs |title=Angels sign left-hander Wade LeBlanc to minor-league contract |work=Los Angeles Times |first=Mike |last=DiGiovanna |date=November 11, 2013}} He began the year with Triple-A Salt Lake, where in 9 starts, he went 5–1 with a 3.69 ERA and 43 strikeouts. LeBlanc joined the Angels on May 25, 2014, with the intention of being the starting pitcher later in the week.{{cite web|url=https://www.latimes.com/sports/sportsnow/la-sp-sn-angels-matt-shoemaker-wade-leblanc-josh-hamilton-20140525-story.html|title=Angels demote Matt Shoemaker, call up Wade LeBlanc|work=Los Angeles Times|first=Bill|last=Shaikin|date=May 25, 2014}} He never ended up starting with the Angels. However, on May 30, he pitched 6{{frac|2|3}} innings in relief of that day's starter Garrett Richards, who went {{frac|2|3}} of an inning while giving up 5 runs, and LeBlanc allowed 4 earned runs on 6 hits, striking out 4 batters. The next day on May 31, LeBlanc was designated for assignment by the Angels.{{cite web|title=Angels designate LeBlanc for assignment|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11013967|website=Associated Press|publisher=ESPN.com|access-date=June 1, 2014}}

On June 3, 2014, LeBlanc was claimed on waivers from the Angels by the New York Yankees.{{cite news|last1=Todd|first1=Jeff|title=Yankees Claim Wade LeBlanc From Angels|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/yankees-claim-wade-leblanc-from-angels.html|access-date=June 12, 2014|publisher=MLb Trade Runors|date=June 3, 2014}} He was designated for assignment on June 11.{{cite news|title=Yankees activate Kelley, acquire Huff from SF|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11068710|access-date=June 12, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=June 11, 2014}} He made one appearance with the Yankees, pitching an inning of relief on June 4, giving up 2 runs on 2 hits and a walk. LeBlanc elected free agency on June 15.

On June 17, 2014, LeBlanc re-signed with the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim on a minor league deal.{{cite web |url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/06/angels-sign-wade-leblanc-2.html |title=Angels Sign Wade LeBlanc |work=MLB Trade Rumors |first=Jeff |last=Todd |date=June 17, 2014}} He made one appearance for the team before being designated for assignment on August 26.{{cite news|title=Angels drop LeBlanc after 1 start, select Herrera|url=https://www.espn.com/espn/wire?section=mlb&id=11415579|access-date=August 27, 2014|agency=Associated Press|work=ESPN.com|date=August 26, 2014}} He was called back up on September 2. LeBlanc made a start on September 23, 2014, pitching 5+ innings in a combined shutout against the Oakland Athletics.

On December 12, 2014, LeBlanc signed with the Saitama Seibu Lions of NPB.{{cite web | url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2014/12/wade-leblanc-signs-with-seibu-lions.html | title=Wade LeBlanc Signs with Seibu Lions | date=December 12, 2014 }} He appeared in eight games for the Lions in 2015, posting a 2–5 record with a 4.23 ERA.

On December 17, 2015, LeBlanc signed a minor league contract with the Toronto Blue Jays that included an invitation to spring training.{{cite web|url=http://www.sportsnet.ca/baseball/mlb/report-blue-jays-sign-wade-leblanc-to-minor-league-contract/|title=Report: Blue Jays sign Wade LeBlanc to minor-league contract|last=Nicholson-Smith|first=Ben|work=Sportsnet|date=December 17, 2015|access-date=December 17, 2015}} He was assigned to minor league camp on March 18.{{cite web|url=http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/168016706/dalton-pompey-among-blue-jays-camp-cuts|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160321073910/http://m.bluejays.mlb.com/news/article/168016706/dalton-pompey-among-blue-jays-camp-cuts|url-status=dead|archive-date=March 21, 2016|title=Pompey among 4 Blue Jays reassigned|last=Chisholm|first=Gregor|work=MLB.com|date=March 18, 2016|access-date=March 18, 2016}} On June 1, LeBlanc was named May's International League Player of the Month. He made 6 starts in May for the Buffalo Bisons, and pitched to a 3–0 record, 0.70 ERA, and 36 strikeouts in 38{{frac|1|3}} innings.{{cite web|url=http://www.milb.com/documents/1/2/8/181447128/IL_Player_of_the_Month_May_2016_qx0gn4ca.pdf|archive-url=https://web.archive.org/web/20160819004113/http://www.milb.com/documents/1/2/8/181447128/IL_Player_of_the_Month_May_2016_qx0gn4ca.pdf|url-status=dead|archive-date=August 19, 2016|title=Wade LeBlanc Honored as May International League Player of the Month|work=Minor League Baseball|date=June 1, 2016|access-date=June 1, 2016}}

On June 22, 2016, LeBlanc was traded to the Seattle Mariners in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/06/mariners-acquire-wade-leblanc.html|title=Mariners Acquire Wade LeBlanc|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=June 22, 2016|access-date=June 22, 2016}} He was added to the Mariners' active roster on June 24. He was designated for assignment on August 25, and sent outright to the Triple-A Tacoma Rainiers on September 4.

LeBlanc was traded to the Pittsburgh Pirates in exchange for cash considerations or a player to be named later on September 13, 2016.{{cite web|url=http://www.seattletimes.com/sports/mariners/mariners-traded-left-handed-pitcher-wade-leblanc-to-the-pirates/ |title=Mariners trade left-handed pitcher Wade LeBlanc to the Pirates |date=September 13, 2016 |access-date=September 13, 2016 |first=Ryan |last=Divish |work=Seattle Times}} The Pirates avoided going to salary arbitration with LeBlanc on December 3, 2016, by signing him to a one-year, $800,000 contract for the 2017 season with a $1.25 million option for 2018.{{cite web|url=http://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2016/12/mets-sign-rene-rivera-avoid-arbitration.html|title=Players Avoiding Arbitration: Friday|last1=Adams|first1=Steve|last2=Todd|first2=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=December 3, 2016|access-date=December 3, 2016}} On November 3, 2017, the Pirates declined LeBlanc's option and outrighted him to Triple-A.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2017/11/pirates-exercise-club-option-over-andrew-mccutchen-decline-chris-stewart-wade-leblanc.html|title=Pirates Exercise Club Option Over Andrew McCutchen, Decline Chris Stewart & Wade LeBlanc|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=November 3, 2017|access-date=November 3, 2017}} He elected free agency on November 6, 2017.{{cite web | url=http://www.baseballamerica.com/minors/minor-league-free-agents-2017/#1ZJQy4tPFB7sJ7hP.97 | title=Minor League Free Agents 2017 }}

On January 16, 2018, LeBlanc signed a minor league contract with the New York Yankees.{{cite web|url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/yankees-wade-leblanc-inks-minor-league-deal-with-yankees/|title=Yankees' Wade LeBlanc: Inks minor-league deal with Yankees|work=cbssports.com|date=January 16, 2018|access-date=January 16, 2018}} He was released on March 23.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/yankees-release-wade-leblanc.html|title=Yankees Release Wade LeBlanc|last=Todd|first=Jeff|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 23, 2018|access-date=March 23, 2018}} The following day, LeBlanc signed a major league contract with the Seattle Mariners.{{cite web|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2018/03/mariners-sign-wade-leblanc.html|title=Mariners Sign Wade LeBlanc|last=Downing|first=Kyle|work=mlbtraderumors.com|date=March 24, 2018|access-date=March 24, 2018}} On July 3, 2018, having started the season 3–0 with a 3.38 ERA,{{Cite web|url=https://www.fangraphs.com/statsd.aspx?playerid=5221&position=P&type=&gds=2018-04-04&gde=2018-06-27&season=|title=Wade LeBlanc » Game Logs » 2018 » Pitching {{!}} FanGraphs Baseball|access-date=2018-07-04}} LeBlanc signed an extension through 2019 with the Mariners for $2 million with a $300,000 signing bonus, and with $5 million options for the 2020, '21, and '22 seasons with $450,000 buyouts each season.{{Cite web|url=https://www.mlb.com/news/wade-leblanc-gets-mariners-contract-extension/c-284110946|title=Wade LeBlanc gets Mariners contract extension|website=MLB.com|language=en|access-date=2018-07-04}} LeBlanc pitched most of the season in the rotation, collecting 9 wins with a career low 3.72 ERA in 32 games, 27 starts.

He began the 2019 season as the Mariners 5th starter; after 3 starts he was placed on the disabled list with a grade 2 oblique strain, sidelining him 4–6 weeks.[https://www.thenewstribune.com/sports/mlb/seattle-mariners/article229235219.html The News Tribune] (subscription required) In 2019 he was 6-7 with a 5.71 ERA. On October 31, 2019, LeBlanc became a free agent after the Mariners declined his 2020 contract option.

On January 28, 2020, LeBlanc signed a minor league deal with the Baltimore Orioles. On July 15, it was reported that the Orioles purchased his contract, putting him on the 40-man roster for the shortened season. On August 25, 2020, it was announced that LeBlanc would be out for the remainder of the season due to a stress reaction in his throwing elbow.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2020/08/orioles-place-wade-leblanc-on-60-day-injured-list.html | title=Orioles Place Wade LeBlanc on 60-Day Injured List | date=August 25, 2020 }} In his time with the Orioles in 2020, LeBlanc pitched to a 8.06 ERA and gave up six home runs over {{frac|22|1|3}} innings pitched.

On February 2, 2021, LeBlanc re-signed with the Orioles on a minor league contract and was invited to Spring Training.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/02/orioles-re-sign-wade-leblanc-to-minor-league-contract.html | title=Orioles Re-Sign Wade LeBlanc to Minor League Contract | date=February 2, 2021 }} On March 25, LeBlanc opted out of his contract and was released by the Orioles.{{Cite news|url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/wade-leblanc-opts-out-of-contract.html|title=Wade LeBlanc Opts Out Of Contract|date=March 25, 2021|access-date=March 25, 2021}} On March 26, 2021, LeBlanc re-signed with the Orioles on a major league split contract that gives him a $700K salary in the majors.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/03/orioles-make-several-roster-moves.html | title=Orioles Make Several Roster Moves | date=March 26, 2021 }} On April 25, the Orioles designated LeBlanc for assignment after he had allowed 7 runs across 6 appearances on the season.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/04/orioles-to-designate-wade-leblanc-for-assignment.html | title=Orioles Designate Wade LeBlanc for Assignment | date=April 25, 2021 }} LeBlanc elected free agency on April 29, 2021.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/04/wade-leblanc-elects-free-agency.html | title=Wade LeBlanc Elects Free Agency | date=April 29, 2021 }}

On May 4, 2021, LeBlanc signed a minor league contract with the Milwaukee Brewers organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Nashville Sounds.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/brewers-sign-wade-leblanc-logan-forsythe.html | title=Brewers Sign Wade LeBlanc, Logan Forsythe | date=May 4, 2021 }} LeBlanc hurled 16.2 innings of 3.78 ERA ball in Nashville before exercising his opt-out clause and electing free agency on May 27.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/05/wade-leblanc-opts-out-brewers-free-agent.html | title=Wade LeBlanc Opts Out of Brewers Deal | date=May 27, 2021 }}

On June 1, 2021, LeBlanc signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers organization and was assigned to the Triple-A Round Rock Express.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/rangers-sign-wade-leblanc-to-minors-deal.html | title=Rangers Sign Wade LeBlanc to Minors Deal | date=June 2021 }} In 3 appearances for Round Rock, he recorded a 2.50 ERA and 2-0 record. LeBlanc requested and received his release from Texas on June 16, 2021.

On June 17, 2021, LeBlanc signed a major league contract with the St. Louis Cardinals and was added to the active roster.{{cite web | url=https://www.mlbtraderumors.com/2021/06/cardinals-sign-wade-leblanc.html | title=Cardinals Sign Wade LeBlanc | date=June 17, 2021 }} LeBlanc pitched to a 3.61 ERA in 12 appearances in St. Louis. On September 9, he was shut down for the remainder of the year due to a lingering elbow injury.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbssports.com/fantasy/baseball/news/cardinals-wade-leblanc-ruled-out-for-season/ | title=Cardinals' Wade LeBlanc: Ruled out for season | date=September 9, 2021 }}

On April 2, 2022, LeBlanc announced his retirement from professional baseball after 13 major league seasons.{{cite web | url=https://www.cbsnews.com/losangeles/news/former-angel-wade-leblanc-announces-retirement-after-13-years/#:~:text=Former%20Angel%20Wade%20LeBlanc%20announces%20retirement%20after%2013%20years,-By%20Dean%20Fioresi&text=Wade%20LeBlanc%20called%20it%20quits,one%20Nippon%20Professional%20Baseball%20League. | title=Former Angel Wade LeBlanc announces retirement after 13 years | website=CBS News | date=April 2, 2022 }}

LeBlanc and his wife, Natalie, have two sons.{{cite web | url=https://theathletic.com/332525/2018/04/27/how-advice-from-a-cab-driver-helped-save-wade-leblancs-career/ | title=How advice from a cab driver helped save Wade LeBlanc's career | last1=Brock | first1=Corey | website=The Athletic }} They reside in Lake Charles, Louisiana, during the off-season.{{cite web | url=https://www.masnsports.com/school-of-roch/2020/04/leblanc-on-life-at-home-without-baseball.html | title=Home }}

After being drafted in 2006, LeBlanc did not finish his degree at the University of Alabama. He returned to Alabama and graduated with a degree in 2018 at 34 years old.{{cite web | url=https://theathletic.com/719627/2018/12/18/long-relief-how-mariners-pitcher-wade-leblanc-got-schooled/ | title=Long relief: How Mariners pitcher Wade LeBlanc got schooled | last1=Brock | first1=Corey | website=The Athletic }}

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