Top 10 Free Agent Signings in Texas Rangers History

#9- Joe Nathan (from Minnesota Twins, 2012-2013)

Joe Nathan pitched his first game in MLB at the age of 24.  He started his career in San Francisco.  After parts of four seasons pitching for the Giants, Nathan was traded to Minnesota.  After seven seasons and four all-star appearances, Nathan was granted free agency.  Nathan pitched two seasons in Texas, two seasons in Detroit, part of one season with the Chicago Cubs and finished his career at age 41 back with San Francisco.

On November 21, 2011, Joe Nathan signed a two-year free agency contract to be the closer for the Texas Rangers.  According to baseball-reference.com, Nathan earned $7M per season plus a $500,000 buyout follwing season two.  During his two all-star seasons in Texas, Nathan pitched in 133 games finishing 129 innings, had a record of 9-7, had a 2.09 ERA, 151 strikeouts, and earned 80 saves.

For his 16 year MLB career, Nathan pitched 923.1 innings, compiled a 64-34 record, 976 strikeouts, and 377 saves.  Besides his six all-star selections, Nathan won the AL Rolaids Relief Man of the Year Award in 2009, and in 2019 was enshrined into the Minnesota Twins Hall of Fame.