The Texas Rangers have secured starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi with a three-year, $75 million contract, extending his stay with the team through the 2027 season. This move solidifies the Rangers’ commitment to enhancing their pitching staff after a challenging 2024 season. Eovaldi, who has been with the Rangers for the past two years, delivered a solid performance last season, finishing with a 12-8 record, a 3.80 ERA, and ranking 17th in WHIP among MLB pitchers. His consistent contributions on the mound make him a key player in the Rangers’ efforts to return to postseason contention.
Eovaldi’s MLB journey has been impressive and expansive, featuring stints with several teams, including the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, Tampa Bay Rays, Boston Red Sox, and now the Rangers. Over his career, Eovaldi has established himself as a reliable and accomplished pitcher, with a career record of 91-89 and a 4.07 ERA. His crowning achievements include winning two World Series titles—first with the Boston Red Sox in 2018 and later with the Rangers in 2023. Notably, Eovaldi played a pivotal role during the Rangers’ 2023 postseason run, posting a perfect 5-0 record with a 2.95 ERA.
Eovaldi’s best regular season came in 2021 when he finished fourth in American League Cy Young voting, underscoring his ability to compete at an elite level. With this new contract, the Rangers are banking on Eovaldi’s experience and talent to anchor their starting rotation and help guide the team back to playoff contention.
What Eovaldi Brings to the Rangers
After a disappointing 78-84 finish in 2024 and failing to qualify for the playoffs, the Rangers recognized their need to address shortcomings in their pitching staff. Last season, the team ranked 24th in ERA, 17th in opposing batting average, and 21st in WHIP, highlighting significant room for improvement. By re-signing Eovaldi, the Rangers aim to stabilize their rotation and bring a proven veteran presence to the mound.
Eovaldi joins a starting rotation that already includes Jon Gray and, potentially, two-time Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom. DeGrom’s return late in the 2024 season following Tommy John surgery provided a glimpse of his brilliance, as he posted a 1.69 ERA in three starts. If deGrom can stay healthy for a full season—something he hasn’t done since 2020—the Rangers’ rotation could become a formidable force. Eovaldi’s consistent performance and postseason experience will be instrumental in complementing deGrom and Gray, while also serving as a stabilizing factor for the team’s younger pitchers.
Looking Ahead
Eovaldi’s re-signing marks a step forward for the Rangers as they aim to rebound from a lackluster 2024 campaign. The team boasts a talented roster, including shortstop Corey Seager, who struggled to replicate his World Series MVP form last season. With a revamped pitching rotation and a determined lineup, the Rangers have the pieces in place to contend for a postseason berth in 2025. Eovaldi’s presence not only bolsters their starting rotation but also brings a wealth of experience and leadership to the clubhouse. If the Rangers can address other areas of need, this signing could prove to be a critical move in their quest to return to championship form.
