Rangers Bullpen Signings Reflect Philosophy on Make-Up, Spending

Last season, Texas’ bullpen ERA was 3.62, the fifth-best rate in baseball.  Combine that with the starting rotation and Texas’ overall ERA was the best in the Majors at 3.47. Many of the free agents that Young and general manager Ross Fenstermaker brought in pitched well, especially Hoby Milner, Shawn Armstrong, Jacob Webb and Martin.

Each of those relievers fit a particular profile that worked in 2025, Fenstermaker said.

“I think one of the things we set out to accomplish last offseason that we learned from was the value of attacking the strike zone and getting ahead and creating count leverage,” Fenstermaker said. “Now we created a variety of options for our group to deploy differently in the bullpen, different pockets …just creating that variety for a manager to deploy strategically helped.”

Young said earlier this offseason that the Rangers were in touch with their free agent relievers. To this point, Martin is the only one to return. Phil Maton and Hoby Milner both signed with the Chicago Cubs. Both signed deals for significantly more money than they made a season ago. Martin’s terms are not yet known

Armstrong is still on the market and is reportedly seeking a two-year deal. Danny Coulombe remains on the market, as does Jon Gray, though he is likely looking for a team where he can start — if he intends to play in 2026.

Robert Garcia, Cole Winn, Luis Curvelo and Jacob Latz are all under contract. Young gave the sense on Tuesday that the Rangers aren’t done with signing relievers yet.

“We've been very good about being disciplined to the types of players and profiles and people that we feel like fit what we need,” Young said. “And we're going to continue to do that and try to be opportunistic when those players are available and ready to sign.”