The Texas Rangers just signed veteran lefty Patrick Corbin to a one-year deal. Let’s be honest, it’s not exactly the flashiest move in Major League Baseball, but it might be exactly what they need right now. They are making a move to sure up their starting rotation.
A Tough Break for Jon Gray
Here’s the situation: Right-hander Jon Gray took a nasty line drive to the forearm during Cactus League action and boom—fracture. He’s out for at least two months.
That’s a big hit to the Rangers’ rotation, which already had some question marks heading into the season. Losing Gray means they need an arm to step in and log innings, and that’s where Corbin comes in.
Corbin’s Rocky Road in MLB Since 2019
Corbin has been on quite the ride throughout his career. He was a key piece of the Washington Nationals’ 2019 World Series-winning squad, coming out of the bullpen multiple times in the playoffs and playing a huge role in their championship run.
Let’s just say things went south after that. Corbin hasn’t had a winning season since, and from 2021-2023, he led the National League in losses every single year.
That being said, one thing you can’t knock him for is durability. He’s made at least 31 starts every year since 2020, and for a Rangers team that needs someone to eat innings while Gray recovers, that’s valuable.
This team doesn’t need Corbin to be an ace—they just need him to keep them in games and give their offense a chance.
Can the Rangers Bounce Back?
Texas is coming off a 2024 season that didn’t go how they hoped. After winning it all in 2023, they finished third in the AL West last year, watching Houston and Seattle battle for the top spots. That’s not where they want to be.
With Opening Day against the Red Sox about a week away, the Rangers hope Corbin can provide some depth while they get their rotation back to full strength.
This is probably not a game-changing signing. But in the marathon that is a 162-game season, having a guy who can take the ball every fifth day and keep things from falling apart? That’s worth something.
