The Texas Rangers have secured Nathan Eovaldi for their starting rotation with a $75 million, three-year contract. Eovaldi, who played a crucial role in the team's 2023 World Series victory, was a top priority for the Rangers this offseason. The deal was finalized after agreeing on financial terms, pending a successful physical.
To make room for Eovaldi, Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment. Eovaldi, a free agent after declining a $20 million player option for the 2025 season, received a $2 million buyout. The Rangers were keen on retaining the Texas native, who will turn 35 in February.
Max Fried's record-breaking $218 million, eight-year contract with the New York Yankees and Corbin Burnes being the top pitcher available in the free-agent market are notable recent developments. Eovaldi will join Jacob deGrom in the Texas rotation, with deGrom returning after a lengthy absence due to elbow surgery.
Eovaldi's postseason prowess, including a 5-0 record with a 2.95 ERA in six starts during the 2023 playoffs, played a significant role in the Rangers' World Series triumph. Over the past two seasons, he posted a 24-13 record with a 3.72 ERA and 298 strikeouts in 314 2/3 innings.
Contreras, a 25-year-old pitcher claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels, had a 2-4 record with a 4.35 ERA and two saves in 46 relief appearances and three starts last season split between the Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates.
Eovaldi's career spans six big league teams, with a cumulative record of 91-81 and a 4.07 ERA in 294 games since his debut in 2011. His contributions to the Rangers' pitching staff are expected to bolster the team's performance in the upcoming seasons.
