Why Rangers' last-ditch bullpen signing qualifies for a playoff spot

The Texas Rangers quietly added bullpen depth on Monday by signing left-handed reliever John King to a minor-league deal, according to The Dallas Morning News' Shawn McFarland. Because the contract was signed before September, King would be eligible to play in the playoffs if the Rangers make it that far, as MLB Trade Rumors noted.

King signed a one-year, $1.5 million deal with the Miami Marlins back in February. The Marlins designated King for assignment late last month. He cleared waivers and was released.

The Rangers assigned King to Triple-A Round Rock after the signing, only to transfer him to the development list on Monday. King hasn't pitched since Aug. 19, so the Rangers likely want the southpaw to throw a bullpen session or two before returning to in-game action.

King, 31, posted a 3.99 ERA with a 1.01 WHIP and 33 strikeouts over 49 2/3 innings with the Marlins this season. Except for the low strikeout rate, those numbers don't seem terrible. However, after entering August with a 2.45 ERA, King allowed 12 runs (10 earned) over 6 2/3 innings.

King may not strike out many batters, but there's still plenty to like about the southpaw. He has a high ground-ball rate of 47.6% (77th percentile), a chase rate of 33.2% (77th percentile), and an expected batting average of .229 (65th percentile).

Texas' recent signee John King likely wouldn't make the Rangers' postseason roster

For now, it seems unlikely King would make the Rangers' postseason roster if they make it. King has a career-low 90.4 mph average sinker velocity this year, which has led him to rely more on his secondary pitches than in seasons past. And even though he has a strong ground-ball rate of 47.6%, it's a career low.

Despite the negatives, signing King is a solid depth move for Texas. If the Rangers find themselves down a couple of relievers later this month, calling up King wouldn't be a bad option.

Rangers fans are pretty familiar with King, a Laredo native. Texas selected the southpaw in the 20th round of the 2017 MLB Draft out of the University of Houston. He pitched for the Rangers from 2020 through most of the 2023 season. Texas traded him to the St. Louis Cardinals as part of the Jordan Montgomery trade on July 30, 2023. The left-hander sports a career ERA of 3.83 with 198 strikeouts over 303 innings.

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