Texas Rangers finally make inevitable signing with Nathan Eovaldi

Jun 3, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) prepares to pitch during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 3, 2022; Oakland, California, USA; Boston Red Sox starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) prepares to pitch during the first inning against the Oakland Athletics at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Darren Yamashita-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers had appeared to be planning to court Nathan Eovaldi in free agency since the final weeks of the 2022 season.

Let’s go back to when Kevin Plawecki was released by the Red Sox. The decision to let him go was immediately denounced in the clubhouse, with Eovaldi and Rich Hill amongst the most vocal players against the move. When the Rangers showed immediate interest and scooped him up for the final weeks, it was clearly the beginning of their efforts to bring Eovaldi to Arlington.

Texas Rangers long game pays off with Nathan Eovaldi

Those plans paid off on Tuesday. According to Jeff Passan from ESPN, the Rangers have signed Eovaldi to a two year deal worth $34 million with a third year vesting option. Different clauses and bonuses can push the value up even further.

Eovaldi caps off an offseason that saw the Rangers completely revamp their rotation. Martin Perez and Jon Gray will still be a part of their starting five, but Jacob deGrom, Andrew Heaney, and Jake Odorizzi were significant improvements. In signing Eovaldi, Odorizzi may be bumped to a long relief/spot starter role as the Rangers suddenly have enviable depth.

He will slot in as the perfect second or third starter for the Rangers. Eovaldi posted a solid 3.87 ERA and a 1.235 WHiP over his 109.1 innings, striking out 103 batters with 20 walks. There are some concerns as he missed time due to shoulder and back issues, but this was still the type of signing that they needed to make.

This signing also furthers the Rangers place in the American League pecking order. They have, on paper at least, pushed themselves into the divisional conversation with the Astros and Mariners, a third team with a viable chance at taking home a title. The Rangers had vowed that they would spend to build a playoff caliber roster, and in two years, they have done exactly that.

The Texas Rangers have completely overhauled their starting rotation this offseason. Nathan Eovaldi may be the final piece in the postseason puzzle.