Free agent pitcher Nathan Eovaldi has come to terms with the Texas Rangers on a 2yr/$34M deal according to sources.
The deal also contains a 3rd year player vesting option as well as numerous performance related bonuses which can take the total value of the deal even higher. The option will kick in if Eovaldi pitches a combined 300IP between 2023 and 2024.
The 33 year old finished 2022 with a 6-3 record, 103Ks and a 3.87 ERA for the struggling Red Sox. While Eovaldi had a productive year for Boston, it was also one marred with injuries including back spasms which caused him to miss time throughout the summer.
In addition to the back issues, the 2018 World Series Champion also battled shoulder issues for much of last season. Eovaldi has twice undergone Tommy John surgery, once in high school and once in 2016, but also required an IL stint in 2019 due to “loose bodies” in his elbow.
Following his time on the IL this summer, the hard throwing righty’s velocity dipped from 97 to 94 once he returned. The injuries, coupled with the loss in velocity, are likely what led to Texas creating an incentive-laden package for Eovaldi’s services.
The free spending Rangers have completely overhauled their rotation this offseason signing Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney and Jacob deGrom. After adding Marcus Semien and Corey Seager last offseason, Texas elected to stockpile arms this time around as they hope to improve on their disappointing 68-94 record from 2022.
Reports indicate the Rangers could still be in the market for a corner outfielder, while Eovaldi’s signing is just the latest in an ever growing list of players leaving the Red Sox organization in recent years.
-Kyle Skinner
Twitter: @JKyleSkinner
Photo: Keith Allison. This file is licensed under the Creative Commons Attribution-Share Alike 2.0 Generic license.