Texas Rangers: Three Starting Pitching Targets That Should Be Pursued

Option 3: Nathan Eovaldi

A Texas native, Eovaldi is the youngest option of these three targets as he’s yet to turn 29. Acquired by the Boston Red Sox this summer, Eovaldi is coming off a second elbow surgery but is having one of the better years of his career. In 18 starts split between the Rays and Red Sox, he’s got a combined 5-7 record and a 4.20 ERA. Eovaldi has also done a good job missing bats posting a combined 1.177 WHIP across both teams. The Red Sox acquired Eovaldi as a rental for their postseason run this year but it’s unlikely they’ll re-sign him come this offseason which is where the Rangers could capitalize.

In 2018, Eovaldi is making just $2 million as part of his post injury contract with Tampa Bay. Obviously, he’ll command a lot more in this year’s market but could still be gotten at an affordable price. His upside is arguably not as high as Corbin and Keuchel but he still would be the top pitcher in the Texas rotation. A long term deal worth about $15 million a year could lock up Eovaldi as the frontline starter going into the 2019 season.