The Texas Rangers have made perfectly clear that their top priority this offseason was additional pitching.
The team’s first acquisition was veteran right-hander Jake Odorizzi, who they landed in a trade with the Atlanta Braves.
The Rangers then added three key starters in Jacob deGrom, Andrew Heaney, and Nathan Eovaldi.
The starting rotation is now set, but the Rangers chose to add a depth piece to their bullpen on Thursday morning.
According to Robert Murray of FanSided, the Rangers have added right-hander Kyle Funkhouser on a minor league deal.
The 26-year-old has spent his entire career with the Detroit Tigers and owns an 8-5 record and a 4.20 ERA over his first two seasons in the big leagues.
Right-hander Kyle Funkhouser is in agreement on a minor-league contract with the Texas Rangers, source said. Funkhouser was a key part of the Tigers’ bullpen in 2021, but missed the 2022 season with a shoulder injury.
— Robert Murray (@ByRobertMurray) January 5, 2023
Funkhouser reached the Majors in 2020 during the COVID-shortened season.
That year, he had an ERA of 7.27 in 13 appearances, but he emerged as a key piece in the Tigers bullpen in 2021.
The right-hander went 7-4 in 57 games and had a 3.42 ERA.
The 26-year-old missed the entire 2022 season as a result of a shoulder injury.
But if he can remain healthy, he could be a key piece for the Rangers out of their bullpen in 2023.
The Rangers finished 68-94 during the regular season after signing Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
But with their most recent pitching additions, the Rangers have improved and finally look ready to contend.
Funkhouser will likely get a chance to compete for a bullpen role in spring training, and if he can stay healthy, he could prove to be a valuable piece for the Rangers.
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