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Rangers predicted to steal Astros relief ace comes with a catch

He's a great setup man, but he struggles when asked to close games.
ByJackson Kruse
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Sep 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) reacts in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images
Sep 30, 2026; Houston, Texas, USA; Houston Astros pitcher Bryan Abreu (52) reacts in the sixth inning against the Chicago White Sox during game two of the Wildcard round for the 2026 MLB Playoffs at Daikin Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-Imagn Images | IMAGN IMAGES via Reuters Connect

Steve Adams of MLB Trade Rumors predicts the Texas Rangers will sign long-time Houston Astros star reliever Bryan Abreu this offseason. The publication projects the right-handed reliever will sign a two-year, $22 million deal with an opt-out.

If the Rangers sign Abreu, Texas fans should obviously be happy. He had a down year by his standards in 2026, posting a 3.73 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 62 2/3 innings. Still, those are solid results, and he was lights-out from 2022-25, recording a 2.30 ERA with a 34.3% strikeout rate in 281 2/3 innings.

Additionally, Abreu finished the 2026 campaign strong, pitching to a 2.44 ERA with a 32.4% strikeout rate over 44 1/3 innings in the final four months of the regular season. His fastball velocity averaged just 94.4 mph in May, far below his 97.2 mph average from 2022-25. From June through the rest of the season, Abreu's heater sat at 96.2 mph, still below his career average but much better than earlier in the year.

If the Rangers signed Abreu, he would become Texas' setup man, a role the right-hander has thrived in over his eight-year career. Adding Abreu alongside All-Star left-hander Jacob Latz in the back end of the bullpen would give Texas one of the best pairs of late-inning arms in baseball.

However, if Latz gets injured, the Rangers could be in trouble. If Texas signs Abreu, he would likely take over the Rangers' closer role if Latz gets hurt. That wouldn't be good because Latz is one of the best closers in baseball, and Abreu has struggled when asked to close.

Potential Rangers offseason target Bryan Abreu struggles when asked to close games

Astros closer Josh Hader suffered a left shoulder capsule strain in August 2025, ending his season early. He also missed the first two months of the 2026 season due to left biceps tendinitis. Hader's injuries forced Abreu into a closer role, which didn't go well at all.

During the stretch that Hader was sidelined from late 2025 through the first couple of months of the 2026 season, Abreu posted an abysmal 5.92 ERA with a 28.7% strikeout rate, 16.6% walk rate, and .252 opponent batting average over 38 innings.

Should the Rangers still target Abreu? Absolutely. Texas needs bullpen help, and Abreu is an elite bullpen arm despite his rough stretch as a closer. The Rangers should keep in mind that he might not be suited to close games if Latz gets hurt, and have a different plan if that happens.

The good news here is that his price tag will stay low, as no team will consider him for a ninth-inning role. However, if the Rangers do sign Abreu, he can't be the only bullpen addition, especially with solid, though not quite as electric, arms like Jakob Junis and Tyler Alexander also hitting free agency.

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