Nathan Eovaldi Returns to the Rangers with Ambitious Three-Year Contract
Nathan Eovaldi Returns to the Rangers with Ambitious Three-Year Contract
The Texas Rangers have welcomed back Nathan Eovaldi, signing the seasoned right-hander to a lucrative three-year, $75 million contract. Eovaldi, now 34, returns to the team where he previously made a significant impact, both in the regular season and on the October stage.
Eovaldi's First Stint with the Rangers
During his earlier stint with the Rangers, Eovaldi showcased his pitching prowess by accumulating 24 wins and nearly 300 strikeouts over two seasons. His tenure with Texas was marked by notable achievements, including an All-Star Game appearance and a critical role in the Rangers' World Series championship, where he demonstrated his caliber with a commendable 2.89 ERA across 18 ⅔ innings.
Eovaldi's return to Texas aims to build upon these successes, as he looks to be a pivotal part of the Rangers' pitching rotation.
Stellar Performance in 2024
In the 2024 MLB season, Eovaldi delivered a solid performance over 29 starts. Posting a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA, he recorded 166 strikeouts across 170 ⅔ innings, maintaining a WHIP of 1.11. Despite issuing 42 walks, Eovaldi's overall contribution was valued at 2.2 WAR by Baseball Reference, underscoring his effectiveness on the mound.
Early in the season, Eovaldi's form was particularly impressive, as evidenced by his 2.97 ERA before the All-Star break.
Overcoming Challenges
Eovaldi's career has been one of resilience. He's undergone two Tommy John surgeries and contended with multiple shoulder injuries throughout his career. Despite these setbacks, he has consistently returned to form, demonstrating not only his talent but also his tenacity and determination.
Before an injury hiatus in 2023, Eovaldi was on a remarkable run, boasting a 2.69 ERA over 19 starts. His postseason statistics further illustrate his ability to perform under pressure, as he holds a career playoff ERA of 3.05 with a WHIP of 1.04 over 79 ⅔ innings.
The Rangers' Rotation
Eovaldi rejoins a Rangers rotation poised for competition in the coming season. The rotation is anchored by standout pitcher Jacob deGrom and includes promising arms such as Cody Bradford, Jon Gray, and Tyler Mahle. Meanwhile, Kumar Rocker made an impressive debut with a 3.86 ERA in his first three starts, and Dane Dunning has shown versatility, capable of handling both starting and bullpen assignments.
With Eovaldi’s return, the Rangers aim to improve upon their previous 78-84 finish and challenge for postseason success.
A Calculated Move
Interestingly, the Rangers chose not to extend a qualifying offer to Eovaldi, a decision that underscores their confidence in the agreement reached and their anticipation of his potential contributions. Eovaldi's presence in the clubhouse and on the field is expected to bring a blend of leadership, experience, and a competitive edge vital for a team aiming to ascend the ranks in the American League.
In bringing back Eovaldi, the Rangers aren't merely adding a skilled pitcher—they're reinvigorating their rotation with a proven veteran who knows what it takes to win. Eovaldi's return to Texas could well be the start of another exciting chapter for both the player and the franchise, with hopes pinned on a return to postseason glory.
