After testing the free agency, ace Nathan Eovaldi is returning to the Texas Rangers. According to multiple reports, Eovaldi and the Rangers agreed to a three-year, $75 million contract.

Eovaldi made 29 starts with the Rangers in 2024, compiling a 12-8 record with a 3.80 ERA and 166 strikeouts. He had a $20 million player option for 2025 but opted out in order to land a bigger deal on an open market.

Eovaldi reportedly didn’t lack interest from other teams, with the likes of the Atlanta Braves, Baltimore Orioles, and New York Mets pursuing him. However, familiarity with the organization and generous contract eventually made him choose the Rangers.

Rangers’ rotation took a hit this offseason as Eovaldi, future Hall of Famer Max Scherzer, 2024’s starts leader Andrew Heaney, reliever Andrew Heaney, and closer Kirby Yates all hit the free agency. The franchise is expected to remain on the free-agent market in search of more pitching help but is projected to turn its focus on bullpen additions.

Nathan Eovaldi made his MLB debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011 and went on to pitch for the Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and the Boston Red Sox before landing with the Rangers in 2023. Eovaldi has two World Series rings and two All-Star appearances on his resume. His career stats include a 91-81 record, 4.07 ERA, and 1,358 strikeouts.