Spring training is just a couple weeks away, and the Texas Rangers have had an eventful offseason. With a mix of key departures, free-agent signings, and trades, the front office has been busy making moves to keep the team competitive for 2025.
One of the biggest concerns for the Rangers this offseason has been the bullpen. After a strong performance in 2024, they lost two important relievers in David Robertson and Andrew Chafin to free agency. Robertson was an addition going into the 2024 season who provided veteran leadership and a steady arm in high-leverage situations. Chafin, a reliable lefty specialist, was another key piece in their postseason run. Losing both of them leaves some holes in the bullpen, but the Rangers have been active in trying to replenish their relief corps.
To address their pitching needs, the Rangers signed several arms. They re-signed Nathan Eovaldi, one of their most consistent starters from last season, to a three-year, $75 million deal. Eovaldi was instrumental in their championship run in 2023 and posted a solid 3.80 ERA over 29 starts in 2024. Bringing him back stabilizes the rotation and keeps a reliable veteran in the mix.
They also added a few bullpen arms to make up for the losses of Robertson and Chafin. Luis Curvelo, a promising right-hander, was signed to add depth and potential late-inning relief. Veteran reliever Jacob Webb, who showed flashes of dominance last season, was also brought in to strengthen the bullpen. Hoby Milner, a left-handed specialist, gives the Rangers a reliable option to replace Chafin. In addition, Shawn Armstrong and Chris Martin, both experienced relievers, were signed to bolster the team’s late-game pitching options. Martin, in particular, is a familiar face for Rangers fans and brings a steady presence to the bullpen.
On the offensive side, the Rangers made one of the more interesting signings of the offseason by bringing in Joc Pederson on a two-year, $37 million deal. Pederson has been a postseason hero multiple times throughout his career and brings a powerful bat, especially against right-handed pitching. The plan is for Pederson to be the team’s primary designated hitter, a role that should allow him to focus entirely on his offensive production. Given his ability to thrive in big moments, he could be a huge asset when the playoffs roll around again.
While Pederson was the biggest offensive signing, the Rangers also made a few under-the-radar moves to improve depth. They signed catcher Kyle Higashioka to a two-year contract. Higashioka, who spent last season with the Padres, is a strong defensive catcher with some pop in his bat. He’ll likely back up Jonah Heim but could see more playing time if Heim needs rest or if there’s an injury.
Another intriguing move was the trade with the Chicago Cubs, where the Rangers sent reliever Matt Festa to Chicago in exchange for cash considerations. Festa wasn’t expected to be a major part of the bullpen, but this move gives the Rangers some financial flexibility and a chance to explore other bullpen options.
One of the more unexpected acquisitions was Jake Burger, whom the Rangers picked up in a trade with the Miami Marlins. Burger is known for his power, hitting 34 home runs last season. While the Rangers already have a stacked infield, adding another powerful bat gives them insurance in case of injuries or underperformance.
The Rangers’ offseason moves indicate a clear strategy: reinforce the pitching staff and add power to the lineup while maintaining financial flexibility. Losing Robertson and Chafin hurts, but the additions of Curvelo, Webb, Milner, Armstrong, and Martin could help soften the blow. Re-signing Eovaldi keeps the rotation stable, and Pederson adds another dangerous bat to an already potent lineup.
As spring training approaches, all eyes will be on how these new pieces fit into the puzzle. The Rangers have a strong core returning from last season, including stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis García. Adding Pederson and Burger into the mix should make the lineup even more dangerous. Meanwhile, the pitching staff will be looking to see how the new bullpen arms perform in their new roles.
The Rangers have also been monitoring the health of Jacob deGrom, who is working his way back from Tommy John surgery. If he can return at some point during the season and pitch anywhere close to his usual dominance, that would be like adding an ace at the trade deadline without having to make a move.
The schedule for spring training is already set, with the Rangers opening against the Kansas City Royals before taking on teams like the San Francisco Giants and the Cubs. These early games will provide a glimpse at how the roster is shaping up and which players are making strong impressions.
Here’s the thing folks: With all the moves they’ve made, the Rangers have put themselves in a strong position to compete again in 2025. The bullpen will need to prove itself, but the additions of Curvelo, Webb, Milner, Armstrong, and Martin give them new options. The lineup, already one of the best in baseball, gets even better with Pederson and Burger in the mix.
With that… There are still some questions to be answered, especially when it comes to how the bullpen will shake out and whether the new acquisitions will live up to expectations. But one thing is clear: the Rangers are not resting on their laurels after winning it all in 2024. They’ve made the necessary moves to give themselves a great chance to defend their title, and now it’s just a matter of seeing how it all comes together when the games begin.
If you cannot play with them, then root for them!