The Texas Rangers, after stepping back from the free agent market last winter due to uncertainties surrounding their TV contract, returned to the market on Tuesday by re-signing pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to a three-year, $75 million deal.
The Rangers had initially pursued Max Fried, but after he signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees, they quickly shifted their focus to Eovaldi.
According to a senior Rangers executive, the team plans to add another starting pitcher and two relievers to their roster.
With the addition of Eovaldi, the Rangers’ rotation now includes Jacob deGrom, Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Tyler Mahle, and Cody Bradford, with Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter also on the verge of breaking into the major league roster.
Eovaldi, 34, has posted a 24-13 record and a 3.72 ERA over the past two seasons with Texas, including 298 strikeouts in 314 ⅔ innings across 54 starts. His strong performance in the competitive pitching market helped him secure the three-year contract.
Rangers GM Chris Young told reporters in Dallas on Monday that acquiring quality starting pitching is costly. “The reality is, it never decreases. That’s just the state of starting pitching today,” he said.
Eovaldi, a native of Texas, is highly regarded by the organization, especially after his pivotal role in leading the team to the 2023 World Series title. He went 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts.
Despite ongoing uncertainty about the Rangers’ TV contract, owner Ray Davis has authorized the front office to increase the payroll, as long as it remains below the $241 million luxury tax threshold.
“We’re moving forward as if we can operate normally,” said GM Chris Young. “This will enable us to build a roster that we believe can compete for the division and, hopefully, a world championship.”
