Former MLB GM ties Rangers to versatile lefty reliever who could save the 2027 bullpen

All signs point toward Chris Young and the Texas Rangers cobbling a bullpen together yet again in 2027. It has become a wash, rinse, repeat cycle that Ray Davis and the ownership group refuse to spend money to bring in battle-tested high-leverage arms. Having an anchor in Jacob Latz is an advantage that Skip Schumaker certainly didn't have going into last year, so the team can focus on middle relievers and setup men for 2027.

Former GM and current senior writer for The Athletic, Jim Bowden, believes he has a perfect fit for the Rangers in 2027. He thinks the organization should pursue lefty Sean Newcomb, who was a linchpin in the resurgent White Sox bullpen over the last two years. The 2026 numbers reflect that, as he registered a solid 3.09 ERA and 1.18 WHIP spanning 90.1 innings pitched. He also struck out nearly a hitter per inning.

Former GM Jim Bowden thinks this lefty reliever can salvage the Rangers' middle relief problems

Bowden has forecasted the best landing spot for the top 40 free agents heading into 2027 and has Newcomb fitting in best either with the Rangers or re-signing with the South Siders as a bulk, inning-eating southpaw in middle relief. Bowden points out that Newcomb can also start, but is best suited out of the pen. He would be an ideal candidate for the one-inning start should Schumaker continue to employ that strategy moving forward

Newcomb is also quite a bit more than a lefty/lefty specialist, which allows him to pitch multiple innings in relief and as a spot starter. In 2025, he pitched 92.1 innings over 48 appearances, so he has two full years of carrying a heavy workload, which is similar to what Latz did before becoming the team's full-time closer in 2026.

Bowden believes he should command $6.5 million over 1 year and list comps including Pierce Johnson (1 year, $6.5 million), Bryan Abreu (1 year, $5.85 million). and former Rangers Shawn Armstrong (1 year, $5.5 million) and Kirby Yates (1 year, $5 million).

Getting an inning-eater with such a solid recent track record as Newcomb would be a coup for the Rangers. This team needs more left-handed relief with Tyler Alexander's pending free agency and Robert Garcia's injury history. The team had to resort to minor-leaguer lefty Robby Ahlstrom to come in for leverage situations last year. Initially, Ahlstrom held his own, but he wore down as more was demanded of him over the second half.

Newcomb, a 33-year-old 6-foot-5-inch, 255-pound behemoth, is far more talented than any other middle reliever currently on the roster and would make the perfect left-handed complement to a right-hander like Jakob Junis to get the ball to Latz in the 9th inning.

It would be a splash acquisition for the Rangers' bullpen. Unfortunately, it may come down to an either/or situation, as Junis is also seeking a similar amount. Why can't we have our cake and eat it, too?

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