As Major League Baseball’s offseason moves deeper into December, the Texas Rangers continue to assess how best to round out their roster for the upcoming campaign. While several areas of the club appear relatively stable, there are still lingering questions—particularly within the starting rotation—that president of baseball operations Chris Young and the front office must address in the weeks ahead.
One potential avenue Texas could explore is adding another starting pitcher, specifically a left-hander. While the Rangers already have a solid foundation at the top of their rotation, the middle and back end remain fluid, especially with younger arms still working to establish themselves at the big-league level.
At present, the Rangers’ rotation is headlined by Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, two proven veterans who can anchor a staff when healthy. Behind them, the organization is hoping to see continued development from highly regarded prospects Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker, both of whom are expected to take on larger roles moving forward. However, relying too heavily on youth comes with risk, and Texas may prefer to add another experienced arm to stabilize the group.
Earlier this offseason, the Rangers were loosely connected to some of the premier names on the pitching market. Dylan Cease, who was among the most coveted starters available, is no longer an option after finalizing a deal with the Toronto Blue Jays. Other notable arms remain on the market, including Houston Astros left-hander Framber Valdez and former San Diego Padres righty Michael King. While both pitchers would undoubtedly strengthen the Texas rotation, the likelihood of the Rangers landing either appears slim.
Valdez, in particular, would be a difficult acquisition given his ties to the Astros, Texas’ fiercest in-state rival. Meanwhile, King is expected to command a contract that may exceed what the Rangers are comfortable spending this winter. With the top of the market narrowing, attention naturally shifts to more familiar—and potentially more affordable—options.
One such option is a pitcher the Rangers know very well: Patrick Corbin.
Revisiting Patrick Corbin as a Rotation Option
Corbin, a veteran left-hander, spent the 2025 season with Texas and provided the team with much-needed durability. In 30 starts, he posted a 7–11 record while logging 155.1 innings. His 4.40 ERA and 151 strikeouts may not jump off the page, but they reflect a pitcher who was consistently available and capable of keeping his team competitive most nights.
Wins and losses rarely tell the full story, and Corbin’s record was influenced by inconsistent run support. In several of his outings, he pitched well enough to earn better results, only to see limited offensive backing undermine his efforts. From a broader perspective, Corbin fulfilled the role Texas needed him to play: a reliable innings-eater who could take the ball every fifth day.
As the Rangers look ahead to 2026, the question becomes whether reuniting with Corbin on a short-term deal makes sense.
There is little expectation that Corbin would dramatically elevate the ceiling of the rotation. He is not a frontline ace, nor is he likely to dominate opposing lineups deep into games. However, what he offers is consistency—an increasingly valuable trait in a league where injuries and workload management dominate pitching discussions.
For a team counting on Leiter and Rocker to take meaningful steps forward, having a veteran like Corbin in the mix could ease pressure on the younger pitchers. Rather than forcing prospects into roles they may not yet be fully prepared for, Texas could allow them to develop more naturally while leaning on Corbin for steady innings.
Additionally, bringing Corbin back would address another subtle need: balance. Adding a left-handed starter to the rotation provides matchup flexibility and forces opposing teams to adjust their lineups. While Texas does not necessarily lack left-handed pitching, another southpaw starter would diversify the staff and add strategic value.
Financial Considerations Loom Large
One of the key factors shaping the Rangers’ offseason strategy is payroll. It remains unclear how aggressively ownership is willing to spend following a period of significant financial investment. There is speculation that Texas may look to reduce payroll in certain areas while remaining competitive.
That context makes Corbin an intriguing option. Unlike top-tier free agents who command long-term commitments and significant annual salaries, Corbin could likely be signed to a shorter, more manageable deal. Such a contract would provide rotation stability without limiting financial flexibility in future seasons.
The Rangers have already made notable roster changes this offseason, including acquiring Brandon Nimmo in a trade with the New York Mets that sent Marcus Semien out of Texas. While Nimmo’s contract is substantial, the Rangers believe his presence represents an upgrade in the outfield compared to Adolis GarcÃa, particularly in terms of on-base ability and consistency.
Moves like that suggest Texas is willing to spend selectively rather than aggressively across the board. That approach aligns with the idea of targeting reliable veterans rather than chasing the top of the market.
Shrinking Pitching Market Increases Urgency
Another factor pushing Corbin into consideration is the rapidly thinning pool of available starting pitchers. Several Rangers pitchers have already reached free agency, including Merrill Kelly and Tyler Mahle. Kelly has since agreed to return to the Arizona Diamondbacks, removing another familiar option from the board.
As more starters sign elsewhere, the Rangers’ choices become increasingly limited. Waiting too long could force Texas into less favorable deals or leave holes unaddressed heading into spring training.
Corbin’s familiarity with the organization, coaching staff, and ballpark is a significant advantage. There would be no adjustment period, no uncertainty about fit, and no need for extensive evaluation. The Rangers already know exactly what Corbin brings to the table.
That level of predictability has real value, especially for a team that appears focused on managing risk while remaining competitive.
Does a Reunion Make Sense?
Ultimately, the decision comes down to priorities. If the Rangers believe their young pitchers are ready to shoulder larger responsibilities immediately, they may choose to allocate resources elsewhere. However, if there is any hesitation about relying too heavily on unproven arms, adding a durable veteran like Corbin becomes a logical fallback.
Corbin is not a flashy solution, and he would not dominate headlines. But baseball seasons are long, and having a pitcher who can reliably deliver 150 or more innings can be the difference between stability and chaos over the course of six months.
For Texas, a short-term reunion with Corbin would represent a pragmatic move rather than an ambitious one. It would provide insurance, depth, and balance without overextending financially. As the free-agent market continues to dry up, that kind of move may become increasingly appealing.
While it remains to be seen whether the Rangers will ultimately pursue a deal, Patrick Corbin stands out as a realistic, familiar option in an offseason defined more by calculated decisions than blockbuster splashes.
