The Texas Rangers are reportedly closing in on a deal with 24-year-old right-handed reliever Luis Curvelo, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. Curvelo, who emerged as one of the most sought-after free agents at this year’s GM Meetings, is expected to join Texas on a major league contract, adding a high-upside, cost-effective arm to a bullpen in need of serious reinforcements.
Curvelo, a Venezuela native, initially signed with the Seattle Mariners in 2018 and has steadily risen through their minor league ranks, recently making a splash in Double-A with Arkansas. Over 66 2/3 innings in 49 games this past season, Curvelo impressed with a stellar 2.57 ERA and 3.03 FIP. Notably, he also posted a 30.6% strikeout rate, showcasing his ability to generate outs in key moments. However, his low home run-to-fly ball ratio and unusually low .227 batting average on balls in play (BABIP) suggest some potential regression. Even with these metrics in mind, his performance, especially in the latter half of the season, has made him an attractive addition for teams looking for bullpen depth.
Curvelo’s success in 2024 caught the eye of FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen, who ranked him as the 31st prospect in the Mariners’ system. While Longenhagen noted concerns with Curvelo’s fastball, he praised the pitcher’s slider as a standout pitch. And in the second half of the season, Curvelo’s numbers improved even further, with a 1.86 ERA and 33.6% strikeout rate across his final 29 innings.
So, why did the Mariners let such a promising reliever slip away? Curvelo reached minor league free agency this offseason, and the Mariners would have needed to add him to their 40-man roster to retain him. With no available roster spots and unwillingness to clear room, Seattle ultimately let Curvelo explore his options, and now he looks likely to land in Texas.
The Rangers’ bullpen struggled mightily in 2024, ranking near the bottom of the league in several key categories. Even with strong contributions from veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson, Texas relievers still posted a collective ERA ranked 26th in the league and finished in the bottom 10 in advanced metrics like SIERA and WAR. As both Yates and Robertson hit free agency this offseason, alongside José Ureña and long-time Rangers reliever José Leclerc, it’s clear that Texas has to overhaul its bullpen to compete in 2025.
With owner Ray Davis reportedly eyeing a return under the $241 million luxury tax threshold, Rangers President of Baseball Operations Chris Young may have limited budget flexibility. For a team that needs bullpen help but has limited spending power, Curvelo’s affordable upside is an ideal fit. While he’ll likely start the season with Triple-A Round Rock, all signs point to Texas hoping Curvelo will step up to contribute in the majors next season.
This move could mark the beginning of the Rangers’ efforts to rebuild their bullpen and make another run at contention, bringing in a low-risk, high-reward pitcher who could play a pivotal role in their 2025 aspirations.
