Rangers trade DFA'd reliever to Brewers for minor league pitcher

When the Texas Rangers made the Joc Pederson signing official, right-handed reliever Grant Anderson found himself the odd man out, getting designated for assignment to make room on the 40-man roster. Now, he'll get a fresh start, as Texas has traded him to the Milwaukee Brewers in exchange for a low-level prospect.

Anderson, a former 21st-round pick, profiles as more of a fringe big-leaguer based on his performance to this point in his career. Over the last two years, he's made 49 appearances for Texas, pitching to a 6.35 ERA and 1.524 WHIP across 62 1/3 innings, coughing up more than 10 hits per nine and struggling to keep the ball in the yard. His 4.66 FIP suggests things might not be as bad as they initially appear, but despite having clear needs in the bullpen, the Rangers didn't have a lot of faith in Anderson being part of the solution heading into 2025.

His unique arm angle and release point that's reminiscent of Steve Cishek make him intriguing, if nothing else. The Brewers have had a good amount of success in recent years helping cast-offs revitalize their respective careers, and it seems that's their hope in this move.

The prospect coming back to the Rangers in the trade is a lottery ticket in lefty pitching prospect Mason Molina, Milwaukee's seventh-round pick in last year's draft. The former Arkansas Razorback got his first taste of pro ball last summer, turning in five scoreless frames for Single-A Carolina.

He's not overpowering in terms of velocity, relying on a fastball in the upper 80s to lower 90s that can sometimes push up to 95 MPH. Mixing his four-pitch arsenal is how he got outs in college — both at Arkansas and Texas Tech — but he will only go as far as his control takes him in the pros. If he can dial that in, he could stick as a starter. If not, he may be a better fit in the 'pen.

It'll be years before we know if this move pays off for Texas. Given the fact Anderson already has big-league experience, the Brewers will feel the impact of the trade far sooner, perhaps as early as this season. Meanwhile, the Rangers will have to keep shoring up their bullpen after seeing several of their relief workhorses depart in free agency this winter.