Rangers Eyeing Pitching Reinforcements Amid Free Agency Departures

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.