Nathan Eovaldi leads Rangers to postseason success with stunning 5-0 record

Nathan Eovaldi, a two-time World Series champion pitcher, has signed a three-year contract with the Texas Rangers worth $75 million. This deal comes on the heels of a successful postseason run where Eovaldi played a key role, going 5-0 and helping the Rangers secure the championship in 2023. As the second-oldest starting pitcher among free agents, Eovaldi, who turns 35 before the upcoming season, has demonstrated minimal signs of decline, performing notably well despite a history of injuries, particularly to his elbow. His performance last season was strong, delivering 170 2/3 innings and averaging 94.3 miles per hour with his four-seamer, displaying his prowess on the mound. Eovaldi's career spans 14 seasons, debuting with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011, and his extensive experience includes stints with the Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox. Notably, he had a four-year, $68 million contract with the Red Sox after initially signing with them in 2018. This recent agreement marks Eovaldi's fourth major league free-agent contract. His decision to reject an option was predictable, creating high expectations for his next contract given that he was likely seeking multiyear commitments. In the current landscape, he ranks among the veterans closely monitored by teams searching for talent in the pitching market. Despite a career marked by significant injuries, including Tommy John surgery and subsequent elbow issues, Eovaldi's performance in recent years contradicts any fears about his longevity. He has never topped 200 innings in a season, leading the Rangers to moderate their expectations regarding his workload in the near future, with estimates ranging from 150 to 180 innings. Eovaldi's improvements, particularly his whiff rate peaking at 26.8 percent last year, alongside better-than-average strikeouts and walks, illustrate an upward trend in his performance metrics as he ages. Essentially, while teams weighed both his postseason history and leadership qualities against concerns about injury and age, Eovaldi's contract reflects the high demand for dependable pitchers. The Rangers view Eovaldi not only as a valuable asset on the mound but also as a seasoned leader who can contribute to their future endeavors in the league. As a testament to the transition among veteran pitchers, he falls into a category alongside other notable players like Corbin Burnes, Blake Snell, and Max Fried. Each has been seen as a pivotal figure in their respective teams, creating a landscape where experience and track records are immediately valued despite the looming questions of age and durability for players past a certain point in their careers. Eovaldi’s continued effectiveness highlights a shift in perspective about pitching longevity, reaffirming the belief that skill can often outlast age.