The Texas Rangers may have some holes to fill in their starting rotation this winter.
While getting Jacob deGrom back healthy helps them for 2025, they may need some more reinforcements, as Nathan Eovaldi could opt out of his deal and return to free agency.
However, the free agent market will be rich with starting pitching options. Perhaps the Rangers could take a look at left-hander Sean Manaea, who has had a strong season with the New York Mets.
The 32-year-old has started 30 games for the Mets this season. He is 11-5 with a 3.26 ERA over 171 innings of work, having also struck out 177 batters and posted a 1.08 WHIP.
In the event that the Rangers lose Eovaldi, Manaea would be a solid backup plan. He's a veteran presence and could be a perfect complimentary piece for deGrom.
Signing him would signal that even after a disappointing 2024 season, the Rangers have every intention to compete for a playoff spot in 2025.
The offense has been the main issue for the Rangers this season, but in addition to Eovaldi, left-hander Andrew Heaney is a free agent, which will leave yet another hole to fill in the rotation.
Manaea has proven this year that when healthy, he can be an innings eater and can also strike hitters out at a high rate. He signed a two-year deal with the Mets last offseason that included an opt-out clause.
He'll have to exercise the opt-out clause in order to become a free agent again.
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