The Texas Rangers added veteran pitching depth with a low-risk move that could pay dividends.
Austin Gomber signed a minor league contract with the team that includes an invitation to major league spring training camp. His deal represents the type of no-risk veteran depth move Texas has successfully employed.
The 32-year-old left-hander brings seven seasons of big league experience to a Rangers rotation searching for reliable arms heading into 2026. His journey from St. Louis to Colorado and now Texas tells a fascinating story.
Let’s explore why this signing makes sense for both sides.
A Challenging 2025 Season
Gomber’s latest campaign was marred by injury and ineffectiveness on the mound.
The southpaw missed the first two and a half months due to left shoulder soreness. His return in mid-June brought struggles with an 0-7 record and 7.49 ERA for Colorado before release in August.
The rough campaign stood in stark contrast to earlier years with the Rockies. Despite pitching in one of baseball’s most difficult parks for pitchers, Gomber had shown flashes of competence as a mid-rotation option during his Colorado tenure.
The Nolan Arenado Trade Connection
Gomber came to Colorado as the centerpiece of a blockbuster deal in 2021.
The Rockies acquired him from St. Louis in the six-player trade that sent superstar third baseman Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals. Colorado also received prospects in exchange for Arenado and approximately $51 million in salary relief to St. Louis.
Gomber was expected to provide stability after posting a solid 3.72 ERA in 104 innings with the Cardinals. His five years with the Rockies produced mixed results, finishing 28-44 with a 5.31 ERA in 109 starts.
Career Statistics and Background
The Florida Atlantic product has accumulated respectable numbers over seven MLB seasons.
Gomber holds a career record of 35-47 with a 5.08 ERA in 168 games spanning seven major league seasons. He spent two seasons with St. Louis before the Arenado trade sent him west to Colorado for five seasons.
The Cardinals selected Gomber in the fourth round of the 2014 MLB Draft out of Florida Atlantic University. He made his big league debut in June 2018 and established himself as a versatile pitcher capable of starting or relieving.
Texas Rangers Rotation Needs
The Rangers are actively searching for pitching depth ahead of spring training.
Texas enters 2026 with three rotation locks in Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter. President of baseball operations Chris Young emphasized that pitching remains the main focus as the club continues roster construction efforts.
The team needs additional insurance to navigate a full season without major injuries. Gomber represents exactly the type of low-cost veteran depth that could prove valuable if younger options struggle or injuries strike the rotation in 2026.
The Ballpark Factor
Leaving Coors Field could revitalize Gomber’s performance and effectiveness.
Pitching at altitude in Denver presents unique challenges that inflate earned run averages and suppress strikeout rates. Globe Life Field in Arlington offers a more neutral environment where Gomber’s stuff should play better than it did at Coors Field.
The Rangers are banking that a return to sea level will help unlock the pitcher Gomber was in St. Louis. His fastball velocity and breaking ball movement should benefit from the more forgiving atmosphere compared to high altitude Colorado.
Spring Training Competition
Gomber will battle for a spot in the Rangers rotation starting in February.
Pitchers and catchers report to Surprise, Arizona on February 10 for spring training camp. Gomber joins nine other non-roster invitees including top prospect Sebastian Walcott, who will participate in his second big league spring training with the organization.
The veteran lefty faces stiff competition from younger arms like Kumar Rocker and internal options like Jacob Latz for limited roster spots. His best path involves proving he can provide reliable innings as a swingman or versatile relief option.
St. Louis Success Offers Hope
Gomber’s best work came during his time with the Cardinals organization.
He posted a 7-3 record with a 3.72 ERA across 43 appearances in St. Louis from 2018 to 2020. The Cardinals utilized him primarily as a multi-inning reliever where his diverse pitch mix proved effective against opposing major league lineups.
His repertoire includes a four-seam fastball, sinker, changeup, and curveball that generate swings and misses when located properly. The Rangers coaching staff will work with Gomber to recapture the command and confidence displayed before his Colorado struggles with the Rockies.
The Low-Risk Philosophy
Texas continues building pitching depth through minor league contracts and reclamation projects.
The Rangers have found success with late-spring veteran additions in recent seasons. They signed Michael Lorenzen near the end of camp two years ago and added Patrick Corbin late last spring, both providing valuable innings during the regular season with Texas.
Gomber fits this pattern perfectly as a proven major leaguer on a minor league deal with zero financial commitment. The upside of rediscovering his Cardinals form far outweighs any downside risk for the organization going forward into the 2026 baseball season.
What Gomber Brings to Camp
Experience and versatility make Gomber an intriguing option for multiple roles.
His 168 career major league appearances provide veteran presence that younger pitchers can learn from during spring training. Gomber understands how to prepare, handle pressure, and navigate the grind of a long season at baseball’s highest level of professional competition.
The Rangers can deploy him as a traditional starter, long reliever, or swingman depending on organizational needs. His ability to fill multiple roles adds roster flexibility that front offices value when constructing 26-man rosters with limited pitching spots on the active roster.
TL;DR
- Austin Gomber signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers that includes a spring training invitation.
- The 32-year-old lefty went 0-7 with a 7.49 ERA in 12 starts for Colorado last season before being released.
- Gomber came to the Rockies in 2021 as part of the Nolan Arenado trade that also included $51 million.
- He has a career 35-47 record with a 5.08 ERA over seven MLB seasons with St. Louis and Colorado.
- The Rangers need rotation depth behind Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter for the 2026 season.
- Gomber will compete for a roster spot when spring training begins February 10 in Surprise, Arizona.
Read More:
- MLB records that seem impossible to break today
- MLB trades that shocked the league and still get debated
- MLB moments that fans swear could never happen twice
This article was made with AI assistance and human editing.
