The Texas Rangers bullpen has another pitcher on the move. Right-hander Chris Stratton has reached an agreement with the Kansas City Royals to sign a $8 million, two-year contract, according to MLB.com. According to Mark Feinsand’s report, the deal includes a $3.5 million salary for the upcoming season as well as a $4.5 million player option for 2025.
Stratton pitched 29 innings with a 3.41 ERA in his Rangers career. In his four postseason appearances, he gave up two walks and four runs on four hits over the course of four innings. The 33-year-old pitcher made his Major League Baseball debut with the San Francisco Giants in 2016, and since then, he has played for five different teams. This includes time spent with the Pittsburgh Pirates, St. Louis Cardinals, and Los Angeles Angels.
With a 4.43 ERA, Stratton’s career record is 37 wins, 24 losses. In 302 MLB appearances, he has a 1.8 WAR, 12 saves, an 8.3 strikeout average per nine innings, and a WHIP of 1.411. The Rangers now need several relievers to bolster their bullpen after Stratton’s departure. Even though Kirby Yates has already been signed, more pitcher additions are anticipated before Spring Training. Right now, Josh Sborz, Brock Burke, Cody Bradford, Jose Leclerc, and Yates make up the expected opening-day bullpen; that leaves eight spots open.