Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers have agreed to a 3-year, $75 million deal, per Robert Murray. Eovaldi drew interest from multiple teams around the league as a solid yet affordable pitcher. He ends up returning to Texas.
Texas Rangers Ink Nathan Eovaldi to Multi-Year Contract
BREAKING: Free-agent pitcher Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a contract, according to sources familiar with the deal.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) December 11, 2024
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Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are in agreement on a three-year, $75 million contract, sources tell ESPN. Eovaldi, who was considered at the top of the mid-tier free agents, returns to Texas. First on the agreement was @ByRobertMurray.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 11, 2024
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Eovaldi spent the past two seasons with the Texas Rangers after signing a two-year, $36 million deal in December 2022. During this time, the Texas native produced a 3.72 ERA (110 ERA+) in 314 2/3 innings. Texas fans will never forget Eovaldi for posting a 2.98 ERA and 41 strikeouts in 36 ⅔ innings across six starts during the 2023 postseason, resulting in the franchise’s first World Series.
The contract featured a $20 million vesting option for 2025 that became a player option when Eovaldi reached the combined 300-inning threshold for the 2023 and 2024 seasons. The opt-out seemed like the right choice after Eovaldi posted a 3.80 ERA (104 ERA+) in 170 2/3 innings in 2024.
His production featured elite Chase (32.2), Walk (6.0), and Groundball (48.9) percentages. He also ranked in the 71st percentile with an average fastball velocity of 95.4 mph and struck out batters at a slightly above league-average rate of 23.9 percent.
Despite his solid tenure in Texas, Eovaldi comes with some red flags. The two-time All-Star has declined his fastball velocity over the past few years. This trend will likely continue for a pitcher who will be 35 on Opening Day.
Possible Red Flags
Eovaldi has dealt with numerous injuries during his career. Last season, he was placed on the injured list twice due to side and groin issues. He has also experienced several shoulder and elbow injuries, which included two Tommy John surgeries throughout his career.
Texas likely will not sign Eovaldi, expecting him to start 33 games or toss 200 innings. But Eovaldi has a solid track record of providing above-average production, postseason heroics, and clubhouse leadership.
Eovaldi is a two-time World Series champion with a 3.05 ERA in 79 2/3 career postseason innings. This includes his six starts during the 2023 postseason in which he went 5-0 and tossed fewer than 6 2/3 innings only once.
The Rangers will certainly sign Eovaldi in hopes of receiving a similar type of impact when it matters most.
Main Photo Credits: Kiyoshi Mio-Imagn Images
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