Rangers Re-Sign Hard-Throwing Reliever; Contemplated Quitting Baseball

Resuming his career.

Alex Speas, a 24-year-old right-handed pitcher and former second-round draft pick of the Texas Rangers, has re-signed and returned to the team's minor-league camp after spending most of the 2022 season on the restricted list.

RHP Alex Speas, who spent most of last year on restricted list while he considered whether he wanted to play baseball any longer, has returned to the Rangers and is in minor league camp. On the baseball side, Speas flirts with and has often hit 100 mph.

— Evan Grant (@Evan_P_Grant) February 22, 2023

Speas had considered whether he wanted to continue playing baseball, but has now elected to resume his career, according to Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News.

During his last full season in 2021, Speas struggled with control issues, posting an 11.15 ERA, 2.48 WHIP, and 30 strikeouts in 15.1 innings split between Double-A Frisco and the rookie-level Arizona Complex League.

However, the Rangers are hopeful that Speas can regain his confidence and show improved control in a lower-level affiliate, given his high developmental upside as a reliever with a fastball that can hit triple digits.

Despite his struggles, Speas has consistently impressed with his velocity, often flirting with 100 mph on the radar gun. Now that he has decided to return to the game, the Rangers will likely give him the opportunity to work on his command and potentially reach his potential as a hard-throwing bullpen arm.

The twenty-four-year-old is a former second-round pick by the Rangers in the 2016 MLB Draft. Photo Credit:  David Banks-USA TODAY Sports