Nathan Eovaldi Reunites With Rangers On Three-Year Deal
Free-agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi and the Texas Rangers are reuniting after agreeing on a three-year, $75 million deal on Tuesday, according to sources. Eovaldi was considered at the top of the middle tier of free-agent arms this winter, and the Rangers will have him back for another three seasons. The 34-year-old veteran landed on the open market after declining a $20 million player option for the 2025 season. The two-time All-Star went 12-8 in 2024 with a 3.80 ERA, 1.11 WHIP, 166 strikeouts and 42 walks in 170 2/3 innings over his 29 starts. He's posted a 3.72 ERA, 1.12 WHIP and 298:89 K:BB in 54 regular-season starts for Texas over the last two years. Injuries have been an issue for Eovaldi in the past, but he stayed healthy for the most part last year and delivered a nice 23.9% strikeout rate. He lacks big strikeout upside and doesn't throw as hard as he did early in his career, but Eovaldi gives fantasy managers a solid floor as a mid-rotation arm.
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News the Texas Rangers remain in contact with free-agent starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi. Earlier this offseason, the Rangers expressed interest in bringing back Eovaldi, and this report suggests that this possibility is still in play. The 34-year-old has been with the Rangers for the past two seasons and was a crucial part of their rotation during the 2023 World Series run. This past summer, the right-hander posted a 3.80 ERA and a 1.11 WHIP across 170 2/3 innings of work. Eovaldi generated an excellent 48.9% ground-ball rate and 32.2% chase rate, both well above the average marks. In addition, he also showcased great command with a 6.0% walk rate. With the Rangers lacking depth in their rotation, Eovaldi would be a welcome return for the 2025 season.
According to an industry source, the Atlanta Braves are interested in free-agent right-hander Nathan Eovaldi after he declined his $20 million 2025 option to stay with the Texas Rangers. Eovaldi is now looking for a multi-year contract on the open market that will likely exceed an average annual value of at least $20 million. In 29 starts for Texas in 2024, he had a 3.80 ERA in 170 2/3 innings, and his 23.9 percent strikeout rate was his highest mark since 2021. Eovaldi's postseason ledger -- 9-1 with a 2.85 ERA in 12 starts -- stands out with the Braves potentially looking to replace lefty Max Fried, who is also a free agent. Chris Sale, Reynaldo Lopez and Spencer Schwellenbach are all locked into rotation spots in 2025, with Spencer Strider returning from right-elbow surgery. In addition to Fried, the Braves are likely to lose veteran Charlie Morton.
Texas Rangers right-hander Nathan Eovaldi declined his player option on Monday morning, which will make him a free agent this offseason. President of baseball operations Chris Young said the team still has plenty of interest in bringing Eovaldi back to the starting rotation for next season. In his second season with the Rangers in 2024, Eovaldi went 12-8 with a 3.80 ERA (3.83 FIP) and a 1.11 WHIP with 166 strikeouts and 42 walks in 170 2/3 frames over his 29 starts. The 34-year-old two-time All-Star has a 3.72 ERA (3.86 FIP) and 1.12 WHIP with a 298:89 K:BB in his 54 starts in his two seasons in Texas. Eovaldi is a hard-throwing, injury-prone starter that profiles as a risk/reward midrange starter for fantasy managers heading into next season. We'll have a better idea of his fantasy value for next year once we know where he'll be pitching.
Nathan Eovaldi Spins Seven Shutout Innings, Strikes Out 10
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi dominated the Chicago White Sox on Thursday, throwing seven shutout innings in a 2-1 win. Eovaldi was almost untouchable in this one, as he allowed just one hit and two walks while punching out 10. The 34-year-old needed a start like this after surrendering three or more runs in each of his last five starts. Although there have been a few rough stretches, Eovaldi's overall numbers are very solid, as he's pitched to a 3.60 ERA and 1.06 WHIP with 138 strikeouts over 140 IP. Fantasy managers should be very happy with that production given the low draft cost, and he should remain a solid starter for the rest of the season.
Texas Rangers manager Bruce Bochy said that right-hander Nathan Eovaldi (oblique) "feels good" after throwing a bullpen session on Wednesday, and he is set to start on Saturday against the Minnesota Twins. It turns out that Eovaldi won't have to miss a turn through the starting rotation despite suffering a low-grade right-oblique strain in his last outing last Saturday against the New York Yankees, when he gave up three earned runs with two walks and four strikeouts in just three innings for a loss. The 34-year-old veteran has seen a rise in his strikeout rate this year to 24% while going 8-6 with a 3.75 ERA (3.94 FIP), a 1.10 WHIP and a 117:29 K:BB in 120 innings over his 21 starts. However, the two-time All-Star will be a shaky lineup option for fantasy managers in his first start off an injury against one of the better hitting teams in the American League.
Nathan Eovaldi Has Low-Grade Oblique Strain; Next Start Will Be Pushed Back
Texas Rangers pitcher Nathan Eovaldi has a low-grade oblique strain, according to MLB insider Jim Bowden. Eovaldi left his start early on August 10 after experiencing some pain on his side. He met with Dr. Keith Meister to determine the severity of his injury, and it appears the right-hander avoided a major injury. Bowden says the two-time All-Star pitcher will have his start pushed back to this weekend when the Rangers face the Minnesota Twins for a four-game series. As a result, it looks like Eovaldi will avoid the injured list. He has a 3.75 ERA and 117 strikeouts across 21 starts this season.
Nathan Eovaldi Leaves Saturday Early With Side Tightness
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (side) left Saturday's game early due to side tightness, according to Kennedi Landry of MLB.com. The 34-year-old was able to record just nine outs before exiting the opening game of Saturday's doubleheader. Across the three innings, Eovaldi struggled as he served up six hits, two free passes, and three runs while striking out four. Fantasy managers should pay close attention to Eovaldi's status entering the new week, as he may need to miss a turn through the rotation depending on the severity of the injury. The veteran right-hander currently sits with a 3.75 ERA, 1.10 WHIP, and a 29:117 BB:K ratio through 120 innings of work this season and remains a solid depth option in all leagues.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi put together a big performance in Wednesday's victory versus the Chicago White Sox. Eovaldi tossed seven innings of two-run ball, allowing four hits, two runs, no walks and striking out 10 on the evening. The veteran was coming off a rough start in his last outing versus the Baltimore Orioles, but returned to form in a big way. With his impressive outing, Eovaldi improves to 7-4 with a 3.31 ERA, 1.04 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 106 innings. Health is always a concern with the veteran, but as long as he is on the mound, managers should continue to roll with him. Next up for the right-hander will be a date with the St. Louis Cardinals on Monday.
Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi continued to pitch well on Sunday, tossing seven innings of two-run ball against the Tampa Bay Rays and earning a win in the process. Eovaldi allowed only four hits while walking none and striking out five. The only runs he allowed were a two-run homer given up in the third inning to Jose Caballero. This marks his third start in a row of seven innings and his second quality start in that stretch. He has also given up just five hits and walked none in his last two efforts combined. Eovaldi seems to be more streaky than the average pitcher, but his good stretches can be dominant like what we are seeing now, making him a great fantasy option when he is on.
Nathan Eovaldi
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Rangers
