Nathan Eovaldi Returns to the Rangers with $75 Million Deal
In a move that bolsters their pitching rotation, the Texas Rangers have signed veteran pitcher Nathan Eovaldi to a three-year, $75 million contract. This marks a significant chapter in Eovaldi's career as he reunites with the team where he previously made a notable impact.
A Familiar Face Returns
At 34 years old, Eovaldi brings with him a wealth of experience and a proven track record with the Rangers. His earlier stint with the team saw him accumulate 24 wins and nearly 300 strikeouts over two years. During his previous tenure, he not only made an All-Star Game appearance but also helped the Rangers capture a World Series championship. In that championship run, Eovaldi's performance was particularly memorable, posting a 2.89 ERA across 18 ⅔ innings in the World Series.
Performance and Persistence
Eovaldi's journey back to the Rangers hasn’t been without challenges. He has undergone two Tommy John surgeries and struggled with multiple shoulder injuries throughout his career. Nevertheless, his resilience and skill on the mound are evident. Prior to a hiatus in 2023 due to injury, Eovaldi boasted a 2.69 ERA over 19 starts, demonstrating his ability to perform at a high level when healthy.
In the 2024 season, Eovaldi made an impactful return to the game, recording 29 starts with a 12-8 record and a 3.80 ERA. He was relentless on the mound, striking out 166 batters over 170 ⅔ innings and maintaining a WHIP of 1.11. Notably, he was valued at 2.2 WAR by Baseball Reference, underlining his contribution to the team's efforts.
Considerable Depth in the Rotation
Eovaldi's addition strengthens a Rangers rotation that now includes formidable pitching talents like Jacob deGrom, Cody Bradford, Jon Gray, and Tyler Mahle. This wealth of pitching options will be a crucial asset as the Rangers aim to improve on their 78-84 record from the previous season. While they decided not to extend a qualifying offer to Eovaldi, the investment in re-signing him nonetheless indicates the faith the organization places in his abilities.
Rounding out the rotation, Dane Dunning remains a versatile asset, capable of handling both starting and bullpen roles. Meanwhile, the young pitcher Kumar Rocker adds depth, having shown promise with a 3.86 ERA in his debut season over three starts.
Playoff Pedigree
Eovaldi's playoff performances have also been remarkable, further solidifying his reputation as a reliable postseason pitcher. With a career playoff ERA of 3.05 and a WHIP of 1.04 over 79 ⅔ innings, Eovaldi is expected to be an integral part of any future playoff pursuits by the Rangers.
As Eovaldi steps back onto the mound for the Rangers, the team and its fans look forward to witnessing his skill and tenacity play a significant role in their quest for success in the league. His track record and experience will undoubtedly serve as a valuable asset to the organization as they strive to reach new heights in the coming seasons.