Texas Rangers, Edinson Volquez Reportedly Working on Minor League Deal

The Texas Rangers and veteran pitcher, Edinson Volquez, are reportedly working on a minor-league deal, bringing Volquez back with a shot at the MLB roster.

With much of the Texas Rangers brass in the Dominican Republic for the opening of the organization’s new baseball complex, TR Sullivan tweeted out Friday morning that the club and veteran Edinson Volquez are working on a minor-league deal.

Volquez, a 14-year veteran, spent the 2018 and 2019 seasons with the Rangers organization, missing all of 2018 and the majority of 2019 due to injury. The hopes for his initial deal in Texas is that he could help bolster the rotation. With injuries considered, Volquez made 11 appearances for the Rangers last year, four as a starter. He posted a 6.75 ERA throwing 16 innings.

During the season, Volquez made his plan known to retire at the end of the season but it appears that plan could be put on hold. The Rangers are looking to bring Volquez back on a minor-league contract with a Spring Training invitation. This would give Volquez the opportunity to compete for a spot in the Rangers bullpen as his days as a regular starter are probably behind him.

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The 36-year old has bounced around a bit in his career, not because of ineffectiveness but rather a consistency with his pitching. Volquez started his career with the Rangers back in 2005 and was the main piece of the deal with the Reds that brought Josh Hamilton to the Rangers. He would go on to be an All-Star with the Reds in 2008 and then later, won a World Series in 2015 as a part of the Kansas City Royals.

If the two sides do come to an agreement, I wouldn’t expect to see Volquez change the Rangers offseason plans at all. They still will be in the market for starting pitching. If Volquez makes the roster out of Spring Training, his veteran presence would be a plus. If he doesn’t, I wouldn’t be shocked to see him move forward with his retirement and maybe join the Rangers in another capacity.