Rotation Depth Or Long Reliever? Texas Rangers Sign Michael Lorenzen

The Texas Rangers have signed right-hander Michael Lorenzen to a one-year, $4.5 million deal, according to a report. Will he start or relieve?

The Texas Rangers have seemingly been out of the Jordan Montgomery sweepstakes for weeks now, but that didn’t mean they were out on adding a pitcher. 

Right-hander Michael Lorenzen and the Rangers have agreed to terms on a one-year, $4.5 million deal, pending a physical, according to The Athletic. 

Ken Rosenthal reports the deal includes an additional $2.5 million in performance bonuses.

Lorenzen, 32, joins the World Series champs as a multi-purpose pitcher who’s found success as a starter and out of the bullpen. It isn't yet clear where the Rangers are looking to use him.

Lorenzen was an All-Star for the Detroit Tigers in 2023 before a deadline trade sent him to Philadelphia. He was 4-2 with a 5.51 ERA in 11 starts for the Phillies.

Overall in 2023, Lorenzen was 9-9 with a 4.18 ERA. He struck out 11 per nine innings with a 1.21 WHIP. 

Three of the Rangers' top starting pitchers — Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and newcomer Tyler Mahle — won't be available until the summer while they recover from surgeries.

Lorenzen could be used as a fifth starter in place of left-hander Cody Bradford or as a long reliever along with Brock Burke. 

Lorenzen has been working out on his own, hoping to land a contract. On Monday, Rosenthal reported the righty threw 70 pitches in an exhibition set against Cal State Fullerton, courtesy of his agent, Ryan Hamill.

After his 2015 MLB debut, Lorenzen was once considered one of the top young arms in the National League. He spent his first seven MLB seasons with the Cincinnati Reds. His fastball still averages between 94 and 96 mph. He’s got a five-pitch arsenal, including an 85 mph slider and an 82 mph curveball.

Free-agent RHP Michael Lorenzen threw 70 pitches yesterday, getting up and down four times, hitting 94 to 96 mph with his fastball, according to a report viewed by The Athletic. Here is video from his agent, Ryan Hamill of CAA. pic.twitter.com/Qk5ol8Ovq5

— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 18, 2024

The Rangers weren't the only team interested in Lorenzen. The New York Yankees, Boston Red Sox, and Chicago White Sox were all listed as landing spots, with New York being a favorite following the injury to AL Cy Young winner Gerrit Cole. 

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