Nathan Eovaldi Enters Free Agency, Eyes New Contract

Nathan Eovaldi, the Texas Rangers' right-handed pitcher, has declined his $20 million player option for the 2025 season, opting to explore free agency. Eovaldi, who signed a two-year, $34 million contract with the Rangers in 2022, was pivotal in their 2023 World Series victory, posting a 3.72 ERA and 298 strikeouts over 54 starts. Despite his decision to test the market, the Rangers have expressed significant interest in re-signing him, citing his leadership and performance as crucial to their success. Eovaldi, who has a lifetime 3.05 ERA in the postseason, is projected to seek a multi-year contract similar to that of contemporaries like Sonny Gray and Michael Wacha. The Rangers' president of baseball operations, Chris Young, acknowledged the possibility of losing Eovaldi but remains hopeful for a new agreement. As Eovaldi enters free agency, the Rangers face potential challenges in filling his role and bolstering their pitching staff for the upcoming season.