Report: Rangers Reveal Their Top Priority This Offseason

The Texas Rangers have made it clear that re-signing veteran pitcher Nathan Eovaldi is their top priority this offseason, according to insider Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic. 

Eovaldi, 34, opted out of his contract after a strong 2024 season, in which he posted a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA, a 1.10 WHIP, and 166 strikeouts over 170.2 innings across 29 starts. 

Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young described Eovaldi as “a pivotal part of our rotation and postseason success,” showing the club’s commitment to bringing him back. 

The Texas native was instrumental in the Rangers' 2023 World Series title run, going 5-0 with a 2.95 ERA in six playoff starts, solidifying his reputation as a postseason ace.

Former Yankee Nathan Eovaldi is set to command a ton of attention this winter after opting out of his deal, coming off another GREAT year in Texas👀

170 IP | 3.80 ERA | 23.9% K% | 1.11 WHIP

Should New York bring him back to solidify their rotation?#Yankees pic.twitter.com/hyI6EsAfGO

— Fireside Yankees (@FiresideYankees) November 16, 2024

Eovaldi's return is critical for a rotation facing significant changes, as fellow starters Max Scherzer and Andrew Heaney and key bullpen arms like Kirby Yates, José Leclerc, David Robertson, and Andrew Chafin have entered free agency. 

Over two seasons in Texas, Eovaldi compiled a 24-14 record with a 3.72 ERA, including his best innings and strikeout totals since 2021. 

He's become a cornerstone for the Rangers, who are projected to offer a two-year, $50 million contract to secure his services. This would align with similar deals given to comparable pitchers on the market and reflects his value as a proven middle-rotation arm.

Nathan Eovaldi:

3.80 ERA in 29 starts in 2024. Fastball velo has decreased the last few seasons, but was in the 90th percentile for offspeed run value this year.

A killer in the postseason the O's could use. 3.05 ERA in 17 appearances. Entering 35, expect a 2-3 year deal. pic.twitter.com/rYgnX0wAcV

— Brendan Mortensen (@BrendanMorty) December 2, 2024

With a disappointing 78-84 record in 2024, the Rangers are looking to retool for a return to contention. 

Rosenthal notes that alongside bullpen reconstruction, the team aims to bolster its offense, but re-signing Eovaldi is the clear starting point. 

The Rangers face stiff competition in a market headlined by Corbin Burnes, Max Fried, and Jack Flaherty, but their focus remains on the pitcher who has been central to their recent success. 

As Rosenthal writes, “Retaining Eovaldi is Texas’ foremost objective as they look to sustain their championship window.”

Photo Credit: Kelley L Cox-Imagn Images