Rangers reportedly signing former division rival prospect to major league contract

The Texas Rangers entered the offseason in dire need of pitching. Eight of their arms elected free agency, including closer Kirby Yates. So far, they have only added one arm with the waiver claim of Roansy Contreras. While this was a step in the right direction, they are nowhere near done.

Texas is attempting to add more depth to their bullpen. A recent report suggests that they are close to signing former Seattle Mariners prospect Luis Curvelo. He could be signed to a major league contract, and placed on the 40-man roster. But, this does not mean that he would automatically make the Opening Day cut given he still has all of his minor league options remaining. It is very likely that he would start the year with the Rangers' Triple-A affiliate.

Curvelo had a very impressive minor league year in 2024. He posted an earned run average of 2.57 in 66.2 innings pitched and struck out 78 batters. Opponents hit just .167 against Curvelo with his WHIP being just 0.86. He even won reliever of the month in August for his work in Double-A.

Rangers reportedly signing former division rival prospect to major league contract

Those numbers show that he dominated, but there is reason to believe that there could be regression in 2025. His BAPIP was at an incredibly low .227. The league average in MLB is around .300.

Fangraphs has rated the 24-year-old's slider as an excellent 70/70 grade. His fastball is just a 45/45, but having a pitch as dominant as that slider can help a fastball play better. His command is a concern as it is a 30/40 grade and that showed with a suspect 7.1% walk rate. While this is not a horrible mark, there is definitely room for improvement, especially if he makes the jump to Triple-A or the big leagues.

Curvelo looks like he could be a solid addition to the organization in terms of depth. He may not be a "closer-caliber" acquisition, but he is still young and boasts some impressive numbers. The upside he brings would be very valuable to the Rangers since they are in desperate need of pitching, but it is very likely that he would begin his tenure with Texas in Triple-A.