 The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with right-hander Jacob Webb on a one-year deal, according to a report from Robert Murray of FanSided. While the financial terms of the contract have not yet been disclosed, this move adds depth to the Rangers' bullpen.
Webb, who most recently played for the Baltimore Orioles, has been a reliable bullpen piece over the past two seasons. In 2024, he posted a solid 3.02 ERA over 60 games, striking out 9.2 batters per nine innings. His consistency and ability to get key outs will be valuable for the Rangers as they look to improve their pitching staff. The Rangers have been active this offseason, also re-signing Nathan Eovaldi and making other strategic moves to bolster their roster. With Webb joining the team, the Rangers are positioning themselves for a competitive season ahead.
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 Before Max Fried signed with the Yankees, the Texas Rangers reportedly offered him a seven-year contract worth $190 million, according to the New York Post. After missing out on Fried, the Rangers quickly pivoted and re-signed Nathan Eovaldi to a three-year deal worth $75 million. Interestingly, both contracts have a similar average annual value, meaning the Rangers would have spent roughly the same amount of money in the short term with either pitcher. The key difference would have been the long-term financial commitment, particularly in Years 4-7 of Fried's contract.
The Rangers' aggressive move for Fried raises questions about their financial strategy moving forward. With the re-signing of Eovaldi and the recent acquisition of Jake Burger, who has a near league minimum salary, it's unclear if the Rangers are still willing to spend big or if they have simply reallocated their 2025 dollars differently. As the 2023 World Series champions, the Rangers are looking to maintain their competitive edge. While their position player group appears mostly set, barring any trades involving Adolis García, the team could benefit from additional pitching depth, particularly in the bullpen.  The Texas Rangers and Miami Marlins have reportedly finalized a trade sending corner infielder Jake Burger to Texas in exchange for a trio of prospects. According to sources, Miami will receive infielders Max Acosta and Echedry Vargas, along with pitching prospect Brayan Mendoza.
Burger, a valuable addition to the Rangers' lineup, aims to boost Texas' offense after the team struggled to produce runs this year. The Rangers posted a team batting line of .238/.305/.380, ranking them in the bottom third of the league and finishing 18th in scoring. This was a significant drop from their 2023 championship-winning lineup. At 28 years old, Burger brings a powerful bat to the middle of the order. Last season, he hit 29 home runs with a .250/.306/.460 slash line over 579 plate appearances. The former first-round pick demonstrated his home run potential, hitting a combined 34 longballs in 2023 with the Chicago White Sox and Marlins. Over the past two seasons, his 63 home runs tie him with notable players like José Ramírez and Corey Seager for 15th place in MLB. Burger, known for his slugging abilities, has a career batting average of .250/.305/.488 over the last two years. While he strikes out more frequently and draws fewer walks than some of his peers, his power is evident against both left-handed and right-handed pitchers. He holds a career .244/.298/.496 line against lefties and a .253/.308/.478 line against righties.  The Texas Rangers have reached an agreement with right-hander Nathan Eovaldi on a new contract, according to Robert Murray of FanSided. ESPN’s Jeff Passan reports that the deal is worth $75 million over three years.
Eovaldi, who will turn 35 in February, returns to the Rangers after a successful two-year stint with the team. In 2024, he posted a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA (104 ERA+), 1.11 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts in 170 ⅔ innings. His performance helped the Rangers win their first World Series title, and he has been a key part of their rotation. Despite his extensive injury history, including two Tommy John surgeries, Eovaldi has proven his value in the postseason with a career 3.05 ERA over 79 ⅔ innings.  As the Texas Rangers look to fill the void left by the numerous pitchers departing via free agency this winter, several new targets have emerged. Among them are left-handed starter Max Fried, left-handed reliever A.J. Minter, and right-handed reliever Jonathan Loáisiga. These players could potentially strengthen the Rangers' pitching staff and provide much-needed depth.
The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal and Will Sammon recently reported that the Rangers have shown interest in Max Fried. While re-signing Nathan Eovaldi remains the team's primary goal, they are also considering Fried as a possible alternative. However, their interest in Fried appears to be somewhat casual at this stage. After Corbin Burnes, Fried is arguably the top starting pitcher available in free agency, which means he will likely command a significantly higher salary than Eovaldi. Entering the offseason, MLB Trade Rumors predicted that Fried would sign a six-year, $156 million deal, while Eovaldi’s projected contract was a two-year, $44 million pact. Given the Rangers' aim to stay under the luxury tax threshold and the ongoing uncertainty surrounding TV revenue, financial constraints could hinder their ability to sign high-priced free agents. As a result, it appears the Rangers are keeping an eye on Fried but may not be able to secure a deal. In addition to Fried, the Rangers are also considering bolstering their bullpen with A.J. Minter and Jonathan Loáisiga. Both relievers have proven to be reliable assets, with Minter bringing strong left-handed pitching to the table and Loáisiga offering versatility and experience from the right side. These additions could provide the Rangers with the stability and performance needed to compete effectively in the upcoming season. While the Rangers' primary focus remains on retaining Eovaldi, their exploration of other pitching options demonstrates a proactive approach to addressing the team's needs. The coming weeks will be crucial as the Rangers navigate the complexities of free agency and work to build a competitive roster for the next season.  The Texas Rangers are actively working to bring back free agent starter Nathan Eovaldi, as confirmed by GM Chris Young at the Winter Meetings. According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, Texas has scheduled a meeting with Eovaldi's representatives for Monday evening. Eovaldi, one of the top unsigned pitchers, is expected to command a relatively short-term deal due to his age—he turns 35 in February.
Eovaldi declined his player option for 2025, which was worth $20 million, betting on himself to secure a more lucrative contract. He has garnered interest from several teams, including the Orioles, Mets, Braves, and Red Sox. Despite his age, Eovaldi still boasts above-average velocity and impressive strikeout numbers. He posted a 3.80 ERA with good strikeout and walk rates in the 2024 season and has a strong postseason reputation, including a 2.95 ERA over six starts during the Rangers' 2023 World Series run. The Rangers are keen to re-sign Eovaldi, who was a key part of their championship team. However, they must balance their desire to retain him with their financial constraints, as they aim to keep their luxury tax number below the $241 million threshold. Eovaldi's market value is estimated at around $22 million per year for two years, which could be a significant investment for the Rangers.  The Texas Rangers have signed right-hander Adrian Houser to a minor league contract, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball Media. The deal includes an invitation to the Rangers' big league spring training camp, providing Houser with an opportunity to compete for a roster spot.
Houser's journey has been eventful over the past year. Nearly 12 months ago, the New York Mets acquired him along with Tyrone Taylor from the Milwaukee Brewers, aiming to strengthen their roster with familiar faces from David Stearns' previous tenure in Milwaukee. While Taylor performed decently in the Mets' outfield, Houser struggled in New York, posting a 5.84 ERA over 69 1/3 innings. Injuries to other pitchers opened the door for Houser to start the season in the Mets' rotation. However, he was briefly moved back to a starting role when the team adopted a six-man rotation. His performance as a starter was challenging, with an 8.55 ERA in 33 2/3 innings, compared to a more respectable 3.28 ERA in 35 2/3 innings as a reliever, typically in multi-inning appearances. Despite finding some success as a long reliever, the Mets designated Houser for assignment and released him in late July. He subsequently signed minor league contracts with both the Chicago Cubs and the Baltimore Orioles, but these stints did not lead to further major league appearances. Throughout his career, Houser has started 104 of his 152 MLB games, often delivering solid results as a swingman for the Brewers. Known for his ground-ball tendencies and an 18.5% career strikeout rate, Houser's 2024 performance suggests his future may lie more in relief pitching than starting. He has a career 2.32 ERA in 97 innings as a reliever, significantly better than his 4.57 ERA in 511 2/3 innings as a starter. The Rangers see potential value in Houser as a versatile option for rotation depth, especially given his success in the bullpen. As he joins Texas for spring training, Houser will aim to secure a spot on the major league roster and contribute to the team's pitching staff.  The Texas Rangers have announced the signing of free agent catcher Kyle Higashioka to a two-year contract, with a mutual option for the 2027 season. The deal, which was confirmed by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, marks a significant addition to the Rangers' roster as they look to strengthen their catching position.
Higashioka, who turns 35 in April, enters free agency for the first time in his career. Drafted by the New York Yankees out of high school in 2008, Higashioka spent nine years in the minors before making his major league debut. His journey to the big leagues was marked by perseverance, as he moved on and off the MLB roster for three years before securing a permanent spot in 2020. Throughout his tenure with the Yankees, Higashioka was primarily utilized as a backup catcher, notably serving as Gerrit Cole’s personal catcher. Despite his reliable performance, he never received an opportunity to establish himself as a starting catcher. Last winter, Higashioka was traded to the San Diego Padres as part of the Juan Soto blockbuster deal. In San Diego, he was seen as a veteran backup behind Luis Campusano, contributing as part of the five-player trade package for Soto. The Rangers’ decision to bring Higashioka on board is seen as a strategic move to bolster their catching depth. His defensive skills, game-calling acumen, and experience working with top-tier pitchers make him a valuable asset. While the financial terms of the agreement have not been disclosed, the two-year contract with a mutual option for 2027 reflects the team's confidence in Higashioka's ability to contribute both behind the plate and in the clubhouse. As the Rangers gear up for the upcoming season, fans can look forward to seeing Higashioka in action, providing stability and veteran leadership to their catching corps. This signing signifies the Rangers' commitment to enhancing their roster and aiming for success in the competitive MLB landscape.  The Texas Rangers have formally announced their coaching staff for the upcoming season, including several key additions:
New Additions to the Coaching Staff
Returning Coaches Manager Bruce Bochy will enter his third year with the Rangers, leading a seasoned coaching staff including:
The Rangers' newly assembled coaching staff, blending experienced veterans with fresh talent, aims to drive the team to new heights in the upcoming season.  The Texas Rangers announced they have avoided arbitration with reliever Josh Sborz by agreeing to a one-year, $1.1 million contract for the 2025 season. However, Sborz is expected to miss the first two to three months of the season while recovering from a recent shoulder debridement surgery, as reported by Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News.
Injury and Recovery Sborz's shoulder issues have been a persistent problem, limiting him to just 16 1/3 innings and 17 appearances out of the bullpen last season. He was placed on the injured list four times, twice due to a right rotator cuff strain and twice for shoulder fatigue. After pitching just once post-August 7, Sborz sought clarity on his shoulder issues from Dr. Neal ElAttrache, leading to the decision for surgery. Contract Details In 2024, Sborz earned a salary of $1.025 million and was projected to receive a slight raise to $1.3 million in his second year of arbitration eligibility. The recent surgery likely influenced the minimal raise, providing Sborz with some financial security as he focuses on his rehab. Despite his injury, the Rangers decided against non-tendering him, likely due to the relatively low investment and Sborz’s control through the 2026 season. Career Overview Sborz, who turns 31 in December, has played parts of the last six MLB seasons. He debuted with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2019 before being acquired by the Rangers prior to the 2021 season. His tenure in Texas has seen mixed results, with a 3.97 ERA over 59 innings in 2021, but injuries contributing to higher ERAs of 6.45 in 2022 and 5.50 in 2023. Overall, Sborz has a 4.86 ERA during his time with the Rangers, but his underlying metrics are more encouraging, with a 3.46 SIERA. His struggles have been partly due to home run issues and some unlucky batted-ball results, such as a .396 BABIP in 2022. Despite a 10% walk rate, Sborz has maintained a solid 28.7% strikeout rate, showcasing his ability to miss bats. Playoff Performance Despite an inconsistent regular season in 2023, Sborz excelled when it mattered most, posting a remarkable 0.75 ERA over 12 playoff innings to help the Rangers secure the World Series title. The Rangers and their fans will be eagerly awaiting Sborz’s return, hopeful that he can regain his form and contribute to another successful season.  The Texas Rangers have released outfielder Sandro Fabian, allowing him to pursue an opportunity with a professional team in Asia. This move reduces the club's Major League roster to 38 players.
Fabian, who made his MLB debut in September 2024, has spent the past few seasons primarily in Triple-A. Despite his efforts, he struggled to secure a regular spot in the big leagues1. His release opens the door for him to continue his career in a new environment, potentially revitalizing his professional journey. The Rangers' decision reflects their commitment to giving players opportunities to grow and succeed, even if it means moving to another league. Fabian's future in Asia could provide him with the platform to showcase his skills and possibly return to Major League Baseball in the future. As the Rangers continue to shape their roster, fans will be watching closely to see how Fabian's new chapter unfolds and whether he can make a significant impact overseas. The Texas Rangers have bolstered their roster by selecting the contracts of right-handers Emiliano Teodo, Winston Santos, and infielder Max Acosta. This move, aimed at protecting these players from the upcoming Rule 5 Draft, brings the Rangers' 40-man roster to 39 players. Additionally, the team has returned 2024 Rule 5 Draft pick Carson Coleman to the Yankees.
Emiliano Teodo, 23, has been in the Rangers' system since 2021. Initially pitching in relief, he transitioned to a starting role in 2022. Despite a 4.52 ERA at High-A last year, Teodo impressed in the Arizona Fall League with eight scoreless outings and a 48.7% strikeout rate. This earned him a spot in the Double-A rotation, where he continued to excel with a 1.98 ERA and a 30.7% strikeout rate over 86 1/3 innings in 2024. However, his 14% walk rate is a concern. Teodo’s potential for near-term success made him an easy choice for protection. Max Acosta, 22, signed with the Rangers out of Venezuela and debuted in 2021. Primarily a shortstop, he also plays second base and has shown solid offensive growth. This year, Acosta slashed .288/.353/.425 at Double-A, significantly improving his strikeout rate from 21.1% to 13.4%. His speed and contact ability, combined with strong baserunning skills, make him a valuable asset. Acosta further solidified his case by excelling in the Arizona Fall League with a .338/.413/.521 line. Winston Santos, 22, had a challenging start with a 6.29 ERA in Triple-A last year but rebounded with a 2.80 ERA and a 30.5% strikeout rate in his second attempt. His transition to Double-A saw mixed results, with a 4.89 ERA but a strong 29.5% strikeout rate. Despite his issues with home runs, the Rangers opted to protect Santos due to his high strikeout potential. These strategic moves underscore the Rangers' commitment to retaining and developing promising talent. As fans eagerly await the contributions of Teodo, Acosta, and Santos, these additions reinforce the team's depth and readiness for future successes. Semien wins Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association's Heart & Hustle Award for 202311/17/2023 The Rangers announced 2B Marcus Semien has won the Major League Baseball Players Alumni Association's Heart & Hustle Award for 2023. Semien did some amazing things this summer - on and off the field.  Another great matchup for Game 2, after Dusty Baker announces Framber Valdez will start Game 2.
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