The Texas Rangers are shaking up their roster with a surprising move! They've signed left-handed pitcher Austin Gomber to a minor league contract, with an invitation to spring training, as reported by Aram Leighton of Just Baseball.
Gomber, a 32-year-old veteran, was once a promising prospect, drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in the fourth round of 2014. He made his MLB debut in 2018 but was soon traded to the Colorado Rockies as part of the Nolan Arenado deal. The Rockies envisioned Gomber as a reliable starter, evidenced by his solid 2021 season, where he posted a 3.72 ERA and a 3.89 FIP in 104 innings for St. Louis. But here's where it gets controversial—his performance in Colorado has been a rollercoaster.
In his first season with the Rockies, Gomber delivered a respectable 4.53 ERA in 23 starts. However, the following years saw a decline in his numbers. His strikeout rate dropped significantly, from 23.2% in 2021 to just 16.3% in the next three seasons. And this is the part most people miss—his ground ball rate also decreased, making him more vulnerable to hard-hit balls. These struggles culminated in a disastrous 2025 season, where his strikeout rate hit a rock-bottom 12.5%, and he allowed a staggering 7.49 ERA in just 57 2/3 innings.
After being released by the Rockies, Gomber found a glimmer of hope with the Chicago Cubs' Triple-A affiliate, Iowa, where he dominated with a 0.47 ERA in 19 innings. This late-season resurgence might just be the spark the Rangers are looking for in their rotation. With the recent acquisition of MacKenzie Gore, the Rangers' rotation looks formidable on paper. However, injury concerns linger around key players like Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom, and rookie Kumar Rocker has yet to establish himself.
Gomber will likely compete for the fifth starter spot with Rocker and swingman Jacob Latz. While he may not be the favorite, Gomber's experience and late-season success could give him an edge. The Rangers are clearly seeking depth and insurance, and Gomber's minor league deal is a low-risk, high-reward move. Will Gomber reclaim his form and secure a spot in the rotation? Only time will tell, and the competition is sure to be fierce. Stay tuned as the Rangers' pitching staff takes shape, and feel free to share your predictions in the comments below!
