Tag: Texas Rangers

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MLB (Baseball)

The Rangers will kick off the season with Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, but Evan Carter will begin in the minors

Evan Carter swings in the 8th inning

Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker have both made the Texas Rangers’ opening day roster, with these recent first-round draft picks taking the last two spots in the rotation.

The Rangers also announced on Tuesday that Evan Carter will start the season in the minors with Triple-A Round Rock. Carter, an outfielder who had an impressive debut late in 2023 and played a key role in the team’s World Series championship, had an injury-filled 2024 and struggled with a .158 batting average in 14 spring games.

“I know I can help this team win. So take advantage of the opportunity to kind of have a stress-free environment to get back to what I know I can do,” Carter said after learning of the team’s decision.

Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, still expects Carter to be an important part of the team this season.

“He just needs some reps. He missed a lot of time, swing’s not dialed in right now,” Young said. “(I) have full confidence he’s going to get going here. And when he does, he’s going to be right back here.”

Regarding the young pitchers, Young mentioned before the team’s final exhibition game that both Leiter and Rocker had some strong moments in spring training.

“I think the talent on both is obvious, and they’ve earned the right to be out here,” Young said.

Leiter was the second overall pick in the 2021 amateur draft, a year before his former Vanderbilt teammate Rocker was selected third overall by the Rangers. Both are still rookies after making their big league debuts last season, with Rocker returning from Tommy John surgery in 2023.

“At Vandy that last year, I don’t think we ever could have imagined that this would be happening. … Same team, same rotation, opening day roster. It’s awesome,” Leiter said.

“Means everything. I think we’ve just gotten closer as friends, as teammates, and just doing it side by side,” Rocker said. “This being the first year is going to be something special.”

Jack Leiter pitches in the 1st inning

Despite the excitement, Young noted that Leiter and Rocker were more reserved when they were told they made the team, likely because they expected it of themselves.

Manager Bruce Bochy said Leiter, the son of former big leaguer Al, will pitch in the second game of the regular season on Friday against Boston, possibly following an opener. Rocker, whose father is the defensive line coach for the NFL’s Tennessee Titans, is scheduled to start the first road game on Monday at Cincinnati.

Texas had open spots in the rotation after right-hander Jon Gray broke his right wrist when hit by a line drive in a spring training game on March 14, and left-hander Cody Bradford was shut down due to elbow soreness. Both will start the season on the injured list, while Dane Dunning, who struggled, was sent down to the minors.

Free agent left-hander Patrick Corbin signed a one-year, $1.1 million contract last week and threw a simulated game on Monday. Young mentioned that Corbin is expected to go to the minors for two starts to continue building up before joining the major league team around April 11.

Carter made his big league debut in September 2023, just 10 days after turning 21, filling in for an injured player. He hit .306 with five home runs and 12 RBIs in 23 regular-season games.

During the postseason, Carter reached base in all 17 of the Rangers’ games, hitting .300 with a record-setting nine doubles in MLB postseason history. He also drew 10 walks.

Carter’s 2024 season was limited to 45 games due to back issues, preventing him from playing a full season as expected. He finished with a .188 batting average, five home runs, and 15 RBIs.

“I’ve proven to myself and everybody else that I can do it, and I did it on the highest stage,” Carter said. “So I know that it’s in there, and I’ve just got to get right back to feeling confident.”

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MLB (Baseball)

Corey Seager announces he will be ready for Rangers spring training in Arlington after undergoing two hernia surgeries

Corey Seager hits a home run in the 4th inning

All-Star shortstop and two-time World Series MVP Corey Seager says he feels great and will be ready for the first day of spring training with the Texas Rangers after undergoing two hernia surgeries last year.

“It’s a pretty normal offseason, which is nice. First time in a while,” Seager said Friday night before the team’s annual awards dinner, where he was honored as the Rangers’ player of the year. “It’s been good to kind of get in the gym and get in shape again and just kind of be ready.”

Seager had a right sports hernia repair on September 13. This was on the opposite side of his abdomen from the first surgery on January 30, which caused him to miss most of spring training last year, though he was able to be ready for the season opener.

During the time between surgeries, Seager played 123 games and hit .278 with 30 home runs and 74 RBIs. After a slow start, he batted .296 with 28 home runs and 66 RBIs in 94 games after the start of May.

Corey Seager hits a home run in the 1st inning

“It might have been a little easier just because you know what to expect,” Seager said about recovering from the second surgery. “You weren’t as nervous about certain feelings and stuff like that. So once the six weeks was over, I kind of hit the ground running and I got to kind of build into it slower than I did (last) spring.”

Seager also played through a left hernia issue during the postseason, when the Rangers won their first World Series title in 2023. Despite the injury, he hit .318 with six home runs, 12 RBIs, and 15 walks in 17 postseason games.

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MLB (Baseball)

Jake Burger will wear No. 21 for the Texas Rangers in honor of his daughter, who was born with Down syndrome

Jake Burger connects hits a double in the 3rd inning

Jake Burger will wear No. 21 with the Texas Rangers, a number that holds deep meaning for his family after his daughter was born with Down syndrome.

Down syndrome, medically known as trisomy 21, is a condition where a person has an extra chromosome, leading to mild to moderate cognitive delays, developmental challenges, and physical difficulties.

“This is the first time I can pick a number that’s not just close to my heart, but close to a lot of people’s hearts,” Burger said. “For me, it’s trying to spread awareness and try and get the word out about Down syndrome and how people can get support. I’m just really proud of this number, and really excited to wear this and represent my daughter, but also so many people out there.”

Burger’s daughter, Penelope, who was born on October 25, was being held by her mother, Ashlyn, while Burger spoke to reporters at the Rangers’ annual awards dinner on Friday night. This event marked the first time Burger appeared publicly with the team after being traded from Miami on December 11. His parents and his 2-year-old son, Brooks, were also present.

Burger credits his wife with the idea of wearing No. 21 and had planned to switch from No. 36 with the Marlins before the trade. The couple received their daughter’s diagnosis last April.

Jake Burger bats in the 7th inning

He shared that they are starting a foundation to help other families affected by Down syndrome.

“We’re really, really excited to push that forward and help as many families as we can,” Burger said. “For us, we call it the lucky few. That’s families with Down syndrome, with a kid affected with Down syndrome. And that’s how my wife, Ashlyn, and I feel. That’s how Brooks feels as her brother.”

In an Instagram post shortly after Penelope’s birth, the couple shared that Burger was the only active MLB player with a child who has Down syndrome. They said they knew that God had given them “some really special work to do.”

Burger mentioned that Penelope is “doing great” but has a heart condition that will require surgery during spring training. He plans to leave Arizona temporarily to be with his family during the procedure in Nashville.

“She’s the strongest little person I know, and I know that she’s going to get through that with a breeze,” Burger said. “I’m just praying for her every day.”

The Rangers also signed free agent designated hitter Joc Pederson this offseason. Pederson’s older brother, Champ, has Down syndrome. Burger expressed excitement about connecting with his new teammate while in Texas over the weekend.

“Seemed like fate a little bit with him signing here,” Burger said. “I love the way he plays the game and how much fun he brings to the game. But not only that, we’re obviously connected way more deeply than that. So I’m really excited to meet Champ. And, you know, he’s another person in our circle that’s going to be there to support us.”

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NBA (Basketball)

MSG Networks and Optimum Standoff Threatens Knicks and Rangers Broadcasts Amid Escalating Tensions

MSG Networks and Optimum Standoff Threatens Knicks and Rangers Broadcasts Amid Escalating Tensions
MSG Networks and Optimum Standoff Threatens Knicks and Rangers Broadcasts Amid Escalating Tensions

The tension between MSG Networks and Optimum’s parent company, Altice, is escalating, with major implications for New York Knicks fans. As the deadline approaches, MSG Networks faces a potential blackout of Knicks and Rangers games, threatening to disrupt the viewing experience for local sports enthusiasts. This dispute is particularly significant as it comes amidst the broader “streaming wars,” adding extra pressure to both companies involved.

The situation became even more dire when Stefan Bondy of the New York Post revealed that the standoff between MSG Networks and Altice has led to the possibility of Optimum subscribers being unable to watch Knicks games starting as soon as tomorrow. MSG Networks has been outspoken about its dissatisfaction with Altice’s actions, accusing the company of confusing customers and implementing steep price increases for the packages that include MSG Networks content.

At the heart of the conflict is the carriage fee agreement between Optimum and MSG Networks. Optimum, which serves about a third of the New York City area’s cable subscribers, is unhappy with the existing deal. The contract, which expires soon, includes a $10 per subscriber fee to MSG Networks, but Optimum wants to renegotiate this cost. Both parties remain locked in a stalemate, adding uncertainty to the situation.

MSG Networks and Optimum Standoff Threatens Knicks and Rangers Broadcasts Amid Escalating Tensions
MSG Networks and Optimum Standoff Threatens Knicks and Rangers Broadcasts Amid Escalating Tensions

As the deadline looms, MSG Networks has attempted to counter Optimum’s position by offering a revised deal. This would move MSG Networks to a higher-tier package, requiring subscribers to pay an additional fee to access the channel. However, Optimum has not responded to this latest proposal, and with time running out, the situation has become a race against the clock for a resolution.

If no agreement is reached by midnight, Knicks fans will face the risk of missing crucial games, including a key New Year’s Day matchup against Utah. The potential blackout could force fans to switch to other providers like Verizon’s Fios or find alternative ways to watch, which could prove costly for those who are unwilling or unable to make the switch.

The dispute between MSG Networks and Altice extends beyond the Knicks and Rangers. It also impacts other high-profile broadcasts, including games involving the New Jersey Devils and the Islanders. However, the Knicks and Rangers hold the most significance for MSG Networks, and the outcome of this battle will have far-reaching consequences for the company and its loyal fanbase. The ongoing standoff highlights a deeper struggle for broadcasting rights and the financial stakes tied to viewer access, making it a high-stakes game for all parties involved.

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MLB (Baseball)

Texas Rangers To Sign Joc Pederson With A Two Year Deal Offering $37 Million

Joc Pederson (Photo: MLB)

The Texas Rangers and power hitter Joc Pederson have reportedly agreed to a contract. It was disclosed that the deal secures Pederson for two years with a guaranteed $37 million, including an opt-out option after the 2025 season.

This development follows an earlier report by Evan Grant indicating that the Rangers and Pederson had been in discussions about a potential deal.

Pederson, now 32, has a history of signing short-term contracts, allowing him to re-enter free agency frequently. This will be his fifth consecutive deal structured in this way.

After initially entering free agency in the 2020-21 offseason, Pederson signed successive one-year contracts: first with the Cubs, then the Giants, followed by accepting the Giants’ Qualifying Offer, and most recently, a one-year agreement with the Diamondbacks last winter.

However, this new contract provides him with a semblance of stability due to the inclusion of a player option for a second season.

Despite his repeated free agency ventures, Pederson has remained a highly productive left-handed hitter in recent seasons. Since earning his second All-Star selection in 2022 as a member of the Giants, he has maintained an impressive .262/.365/.485 batting line, equating to a 135 wRC+.

Over the past three seasons, this performance ranks him 16th among qualified hitters in wRC+, placing him alongside elite talents such as Vladimir Guerrero Jr. and Jose Ramirez.

While Pederson’s offensive prowess is undeniable, his relatively modest contracts reflect his specific skill set and limitations. A standout against right-handed pitching, Pederson’s career .210/.300/.330 line (78 wRC+) against left-handers underscores his platoon dependency.

Even with slight improvements in recent years (104 wRC+ against lefties), he is most effective when used strategically in lineups. Furthermore, his defensive struggles have further influenced his market value.

Pederson has seen his outfield appearances diminish, spending his 2024 season as a designated hitter for Arizona and starting only sparingly in the outfield for San Francisco the previous year.

His last full season in the field, 2022, was marred by a -11 Outs Above Average rating, ranking him among the league’s poorest defenders.

Considering these factors, Pederson’s $37 million deal with the Rangers is a notable achievement, particularly as it significantly exceeds the two-year, $24 million projection from MLB Trade Rumors, which ranked him 24th on its Top 50 Free Agents list for the offseason.

Joc Pederson (Photo: AP)

For the Rangers, Pederson’s addition bolsters a lineup that struggled offensively last season, ranking 22nd in MLB with a 95 wRC+. This was compounded by dismal production at the designated hitter position, where the team posted a mere 65 wRC+, the second-worst in the league.

Pederson’s bat not only addresses this void but also complements former Dodgers teammate Corey Seager, adding another left-handed power threat. The move comes shortly after the Rangers traded Nathaniel Lowe to the Nationals, signaling a revamped offensive approach.

Alongside new acquisitions Kyle Higashioka and Jake Burger, as well as the expected improved health of Josh Jung and Evan Carter, the Rangers’ lineup should see a significant improvement.

This will also alleviate pressure on utility player Josh Smith, whose performance dipped dramatically after the All-Star break.

With Pederson in the fold, the Rangers’ projected payroll for 2025 sits just under $217 million, with their luxury tax figure nearing $229 million.

This leaves approximately $11 million in room beneath the first luxury tax threshold, a limit the team reportedly aims to avoid exceeding. While the rotation has been fortified with the return of Nathan Eovaldi and the lineup now appears robust, the bullpen remains an area of concern.

Despite adding Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Robert Garcia, the Rangers may pursue further upgrades, potentially through trades involving players like Leody Taveras, Dane Dunning, or Jon Gray.

Such moves could free up payroll space and facilitate the acquisition of a proven closer, with options like Kirby Yates and David Robertson—both of whom pitched well for Texas in 2024—remaining on the market.

Pederson’s decision to join the Rangers shifts the focus of other teams that had been interested in him.

The Diamondbacks, for instance, reportedly considered a reunion with Pederson but may now turn their attention elsewhere, particularly after acquiring Josh Naylor.

Similarly, the Blue Jays, linked to both Pederson and Naylor earlier, might now intensify their pursuit of bats such as Anthony Santander or Teoscar Hernandez to address their lineup needs.

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MLB (Baseball)

The same World Series goal that motivated Nathan Eovaldi to join the Rangers is what led him to re-sign with them

Nathan Eovaldi pitches in the 1st inning

The championship goal that made Nathan Eovaldi choose to sign with Texas as a free agent two years ago is the same one that led him to return to the Rangers.

Eovaldi won a World Series title in his first season with Texas, followed by a losing record this year.

“I believe in the guys in the group that we have. We were able to do it in ‘23. I don’t feel a lot has changed,” Eovaldi said on Friday, a day after agreeing to a three-year, $75 million contract. “We had a down year last year, but I’ve said it before, you learn a lot from losing seasons.”

Eovaldi had turned down a $20 million player option to become a free agent again and reached a deal during the winter meetings in Dallas. Texas also made a trade to acquire slugging corner infielder Jake Burger from Miami.

Burger had fallen asleep before receiving a call late Tuesday night about his trade to Texas, where his family plans to move after the October birth of a daughter with Down syndrome.

Texas Rangers players celebrates after a home run in the 9th inning

“The other city that is really good other than Nashville in terms of children’s hospital and resources for her Downs is in Dallas,” Burger said. “Not just from the baseball spectrum, from the life aspect as well… I feel like it was meant to be, and we couldn’t be more excited about that.”

Burger lives near Rangers manager Bruce Bochy in the Nashville area and plans to visit him soon. His former manager with the Marlins, Skip Schumaker, was hired by the Rangers last month as a senior adviser for baseball operations. Luis Urueta, who was the Marlins’ bench coach for the past two seasons, recently joined Bochy’s on-field coaching staff for 2025. Burger and Rangers pitcher Dane Dunning were once roommates in the White Sox organization.

Burger hit .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs in 137 games for the Marlins last season, starting 59 games at third base and 50 at first base. He was traded from the White Sox to Miami on Aug. 1, 2023, and hit his first homer with the Marlins at Globe Life Field just four days later.

In the Rangers’ World Series run in 2023, Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts. He was the winning pitcher in the World Series Game 5 that clinched the title in Arizona. Eovaldi was also part of the Boston Red Sox team that won the 2018 title.

Nathan Eovaldi preps to pitch in the 1st inning

This year, Eovaldi was 12-8 with a 3.80 ERA in 29 starts, including seven scoreless innings in the regular-season finale. Over the past two seasons, he has a 24-13 record with a 3.72 ERA in 54 starts for Texas.

The new contract for the Texas native, who turns 35 in February, includes a $12 million signing bonus, half of which will be paid on Nov. 15, 2026, and the rest on Jan. 15, 2028. He will earn $18 million in 2025, $25 million in 2026, and $20 million in 2027. The deal also includes a full no-trade clause.

After being welcomed back by Chris Young, the team’s president of baseball operations, Eovaldi said he never felt like he had really left. The Rangers had stayed in contact throughout the process after he declined his option on Nov. 4.

“Kind of listening to the market and everything, I’m extremely happy to be back. I’m glad we were able to make it all work out,” Eovaldi said. “We had a lot of teams reach out right away, and we were in contact with most of them across the league. In the end, we were able to make it back here.”

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MLB (Baseball)

The Texas Rangers and right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi have agreed to a three-year, $75 million deal

Nathan Eovaldi pitches in the 1st inning

Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers have completed a $75 million, three-year contract that will keep him in their starting rotation.

Eovaldi, who was the winning pitcher for Texas in the 2023 World Series clinching game, was a key target for the Rangers this offseason. One of the team’s main goals was to re-sign him. The financial terms of the deal were agreed upon on Tuesday, pending a successful physical examination.

To make room for Eovaldi on the roster, right-handed pitcher Roansy Contreras was designated for assignment.

Eovaldi became a free agent on November 4 after he chose to decline a $20 million player option for the 2025 season. While the Rangers expected him to decline, they were eager to bring back the Texas native, who will turn 35 in February.

Eovaldi earned a $2 million buyout for that option after pitching more than 300 innings over his two years with the Rangers, following his move to the team as a free agent.

The terms of Eovaldi’s new contract include a $12 million signing bonus, with half of it paid on November 15, 2026, and the other half on January 15, 2028. His salaries for the next few seasons are $18 million in 2025, $25 million in 2026, and $20 million in 2027. He also has a full no-trade clause.

Eovaldi’s contract was finalized during the baseball winter meetings, the same day Max Fried agreed to an eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees, which became the largest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher.

This leaves 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner and four-time All-Star Corbin Burnes as the top pitcher still available in free agency. Burnes had a 2.92 ERA with a 15-9 record in 32 starts for the Orioles in 2023.

Nathan Eovaldi pitches in the 1st inning

Eovaldi will continue to be a part of the Texas rotation alongside two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, who made just three starts last season after missing nearly 17 months due to elbow surgery. The Rangers won all six of deGrom’s starts at the beginning of the 2023 season before he was injured in April.

Both Eovaldi and deGrom were acquired by the Rangers as free agents before the 2023 season. Eovaldi’s previous two-year deal was worth $34 million, including $16 million salaries each season, plus the buyout. DeGrom, now 36, signed a five-year deal worth $185 million.

Eovaldi played a big role in the Rangers’ World Series win in 2023, going 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts, including the victory in Game 5 of the World Series against Arizona. He was also part of the Boston Red Sox team that won the 2018 World Series.

In the past two seasons, Eovaldi went 24-13 with a 3.72 ERA in 54 starts, collecting 298 strikeouts in 314 2/3 innings. He had a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA in 29 starts in 2023. Eovaldi finished the season strong by throwing seven scoreless innings against the Los Angeles Angels, helping the Rangers secure the season’s final win.

This will be Eovaldi’s sixth team in his career. He is 91-81 with a 4.07 ERA in 294 career games (275 starts) since his MLB debut in 2011 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. Besides the Rangers and Red Sox, he has also played for Miami, the New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay.

Contreras, 25, was claimed off waivers from the Los Angeles Angels on October 31. He posted a 2-4 record with a 4.35 ERA, two saves, 46 relief appearances, and three starts with the Angels and Pittsburgh Pirates last season.

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FEATURED

The Rangers acquire power-hitting corner infielder Jake Burger from the Marlins in exchange for prospects and also add a reliever to their roster

Jake Burger hits a home run in the 1st inning

Texas made two moves on Wednesday during the winter meetings. First, they acquired slugging corner infielder Jake Burger from the Miami Marlins in exchange for three minor league players. Then, the Rangers signed reliever Jacob Webb to a $1.25 million contract to strengthen their bullpen.

These moves came a day after the Rangers accomplished one of their main goals for the offseason by re-signing Nathan Eovaldi, who was the winning pitcher in the 2023 World Series.

Burger played 137 games for the Marlins last season, hitting .250 with 29 home runs and 76 RBIs. He struck out 150 times in 535 at-bats and walked 31 times. He started 59 games at third base and 50 games at first base. Burger, who is just five days short of qualifying for salary arbitration this offseason, will be eligible next winter and can become a free agent after the 2028 World Series.

Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, spoke about Burger’s fit with the team, saying, “He’s played third, he’s played some first, DH.

And I think that’s a pretty good fit in terms of building out our depth with our current lineup and adding an impact bat. We’ve said one of our goals is to get back to being a very good offense that we were in 2023. We think he helps us with that.”

Jake Burger reacts in the 1st inning

In exchange for Burger, the Marlins received infielders Max Acosta and Echedry Vargas, along with left-handed pitcher Brayan Mendoza.

Webb, the 31-year-old reliever, made his MLB debut with the Atlanta Braves in 2019 and also played for the Los Angeles Angels. Last season, he set career highs with the Baltimore Orioles, recording 56 2/3 innings pitched and 58 strikeouts, finishing with a 3.02 ERA and two saves in 60 appearances. He has a 12-10 record with six saves and a 2.98 ERA over 192 career games.

Chris Young said about Webb, “A proven right-handed reliever, been on a winning team. Real competitor. We’ve got multiple needs in our bullpen, and we feel like he certainly raises the floor and gives us a reliable, solid option. It’s not a veteran per se, in terms of service time, but he’s a veteran in terms of being battle-tested.”

The signing of Burger follows the Rangers’ hiring of former Marlins manager Skip Schumaker as a senior adviser for baseball operations about a month ago. Luis Urueta, who was Miami’s bench coach for the past two seasons, also recently joined manager Bruce Bochy’s coaching staff for 2025.

Burger was originally drafted by the Chicago White Sox in the first round of the 2017 draft and debuted in 2021. He was traded to Miami during the 2023 season. Last year, he hit .250 with 34 home runs and 80 RBIs in 141 games.

Texas Rangers players celebrate after a home run in the 9th inning

Manager Bruce Bochy commented on Burger’s impact, saying, “He’s an aggressive hitter that makes hard contact, a lot of hard contact. We’re excited to have him. He’s going to make us a better offense and help get us back to where we were a couple of years ago, and be one of the elite offenses in the game, and he’ll be part of it.”

Burger hit 22 home runs from July 1 to the end of last season, ranking third in the National League behind Shohei Ohtani (28) of the Los Angeles Dodgers and Eugenio Suárez (24) of Arizona.

Last season, the Rangers had a .238 batting average and hit 176 home runs, averaging 4.2 runs per game. These numbers were lower than in 2023, when they averaged 5.4 runs per game, hit .263, and hit 233 home runs en route to their World Series championship.

Nathaniel Lowe, Texas’ primary first baseman, won a Silver Slugger in 2022 and a Gold Glove in 2023. Last season, he hit .265 with 16 home runs and 69 RBIs. Third baseman Josh Jung, who was an All-Star starter as a rookie in 2023, had a wrist injury in April and missed 102 games. He finished the season with a .264 average, seven home runs, and 16 RBIs in 46 games.

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MLB (Baseball)

Rangers strike a $75 million, three-year contract to retain right-handed pitcher Nathan Eovaldi

Nathan Eovaldi pitches in the 1st inning

The Texas Rangers have achieved one of their main goals for the offseason by re-signing Nathan Eovaldi, the pitcher who won their 2023 World Series-clinching game.

Texas has agreed to a $75 million, three-year contract with Eovaldi, according to a person familiar with the deal who spoke to The Associated Press on Tuesday night. The person requested anonymity because the deal is still pending a successful physical.

Eovaldi became a free agent on November 4 after turning down a $20 million player option for the 2025 season. The Rangers were expecting this decision, but they made it a priority to bring back the Texas native, who will turn 35 in February.

Eovaldi received a $2 million buyout for his option, which he earned by pitching over 300 innings during his two years with the Rangers after joining them as a free agent.

This new contract was announced at the winter meetings, on the same day that Max Fried agreed to an eight-year, $218 million deal with the New York Yankees, the largest contract ever given to a left-handed pitcher.

These moves leave Corbin Burnes, the 2021 National League Cy Young Award winner and a four-time All-Star, as the top pitcher still available in free agency. Burnes had a 15-9 record with a 2.92 ERA in 32 starts for the Orioles this season, his only year in Baltimore.

Nathan Eovaldi pitches in the 1st inning

Eovaldi will remain in the Texas rotation alongside two-time NL Cy Young Award winner Jacob deGrom, who made just three starts at the end of last season after missing nearly 17 months due to right elbow surgery. The Rangers won all six of deGrom’s starts to start the 2023 season before he got injured in April.

Before the 2023 season, the Rangers signed Eovaldi and deGrom in free agency. Eovaldi’s previous two-year deal was worth $34 million, with $16 million annual salaries, plus the buyout. deGrom, now 36, signed a five-year, $185 million deal.

During the Rangers’ first World Series title run in 2023, Eovaldi was 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six postseason starts, including the win in the World Series-clinching Game 5 at Arizona. He was also part of the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 title team.

Eovaldi had a 24-13 record with a 3.72 ERA in 54 starts over the past two seasons, totaling 298 strikeouts in 314 2/3 innings. In 2023, he went 12-8 with a 3.80 ERA in 29 starts. He pitched seven scoreless innings in the season finale against the Los Angeles Angels to help the Rangers finish 78-84 and miss the playoffs.

Eovaldi, who has now played for six MLB teams, has a career record of 91-81 with a 4.07 ERA in 294 games (275 starts) since debuting in 2011 with the Los Angeles Dodgers. He has also played for Miami, the New York Yankees, and Tampa Bay.

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NFL (American Football)

New Rangers catcher Kyle Higashioka has already experienced a no-hitter and a major home run

Kyle Higashioka bats in the 5th innnig

Kyle Higashioka has had some memorable experiences at the Texas Rangers’ home stadium. He caught a no-hitter there and hit a home run on the same day Aaron Judge set the American League season record with his 62nd home run.

Now, Higashioka will be playing at Globe Life Park regularly after signing a two-year, $13.5 million contract with the Rangers. They want to pair the 34-year-old catcher with All-Star and Gold Glove winner Jonah Heim.

“So many good memories have happened for me personally in this ballpark. It’s like I would always look forward to coming here every year,” Higashioka said on Tuesday, the day after his deal with Texas was announced. “It’s funny that I’m actually going to be on the team. … Hopefully ready to make some more (memories).”

Texas Rangers players celebrates the win

Higashioka spent his first 16 professional seasons with the New York Yankees, including his first seven seasons in the major leagues. He is coming off his only season with San Diego, where he hit .220 with career-highs of 17 home runs and 45 RBIs while playing 84 games for the Padres. San Diego had acquired him from the Yankees in a trade last December that sent Juan Soto to New York.

Higashioka became the Padres’ primary catcher during the second half of the season and played through a playoff run that ended in the National League Division Series against the eventual World Series champions, the Los Angeles Dodgers.

“I settled into a pretty good rhythm there and was able to get the bat going a little bit,” he said.

Texas will pay Higashioka $5.75 million in 2025 and $6.75 million in 2026. The contract includes a mutual option for 2027 worth $7 million, with a $1 million buyout. Higashioka could also earn a $250,000 performance bonus in any season where he plays 81 games.

“We see it as a situation where him and Jonah are going to complement one another, more of a timeshare to equal playing time,” Rangers general manager Ross Fenstermaker said. “I think a lot of that will be driven by performance, but I think they both offer some unique traits and have their own abilities.”

Higashioka was the Yankees’ catcher when Corey Kluber threw a no-hitter against the Rangers on May 19, 2021. He was also behind the plate when New York’s Domingo Germán pitched a perfect game at Oakland on June 28, 2023.

Among only 13 men to catch both a perfect game and a no-hitter, Higashioka was with the Yankees during Aaron Judge’s record-setting 2022 season. Judge broke Roger Maris’ American League record with his 62nd home run on October 4, the second-to-last day of the regular season. Higashioka had hit a home run in the first game of that doubleheader.

Kyle Higashioka and David Peralta celebrate after a home run in the 9th inning

Jonah Heim, who is a switch-hitter, was an All-Star and Gold Glove winner in 2023 when the Rangers won their first World Series title. Heim played 131 games in each of the last two seasons. He hit .258 with 18 home runs and 95 RBIs during their championship season but dropped to .220 with 13 home runs and 59 RBIs this year.

“We have a lot of confidence that he’s going to bounce back and be an All-Star type catcher for us,” Fenstermaker said. “We’re looking forward to complementing him with somebody like Kyle, who I think will help elevate and create one of the better catching tandems in the game.”