The Texas Rangers have secured a key part of their pitching rotation by re-signing Nathan Eovaldi to a $75 million, three-year deal.
Eovaldi, who was instrumental in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series victory, chose free agency after declining a vested $20 million option for 2025. Despite the expected move, the Rangers prioritized retaining the veteran right-hander, and their efforts paid off during this week’s MLB winter meetings, CBS News reported.
The deal is pending a physical, but it marks a significant step toward the team’s goal of making another World Series run.
Eovaldi, a Texas native, has been a cornerstone for the Rangers’ success since he joined the team in 2023. Over his two-year stint with Texas, he earned his $2 million buyout by pitching over 300 innings. His consistency and leadership were on full display during the 2023 postseason, where he delivered a 5-0 record with a 2.95 ERA across six starts. Notably, he was the winning pitcher in Game 5 of the World Series against the Arizona Diamondbacks, securing the Rangers’ first-ever title.
The 34-year-old pitcher’s new contract aligns with other major deals happening across the league. On the same day Eovaldi’s agreement was reported, left-hander Max Fried signed an eight-year, $218 million contract with the New York Yankees. This sets the stage for further significant moves in the market, with pitchers like Corbin Burnes still available. Burnes, who posted a 2.92 ERA for the Orioles in 2023, remains a high-profile target for teams seeking top-tier pitching talent.
Eovaldi’s return also stabilizes a Rangers rotation that boasts another powerhouse in Jacob deGrom. DeGrom, a two-time NL Cy Young Award winner, made a limited but impactful return last season following elbow surgery. Though his 2023 season was cut short by injury, the Rangers won all six of his starts before his absence in April.
With Eovaldi and deGrom both healthy and ready, the Rangers are positioning themselves for another competitive season in 2025.
Eovaldi’s journey to this point reflects his durability and experience. The veteran pitcher’s career has spanned 13 seasons and six teams, including the Dodgers, Marlins, Yankees, Rays, and Red Sox.
Eovaldi holds a career record of 91-81 with a 4.07 ERA across 294 appearances. His postseason experience, including a critical role in the Boston Red Sox’s 2018 championship run, has cemented his reputation as a clutch performer.