Could the Texas Rangers consider letting World Series hero Nathan Eovaldi leave the team?

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, it’s a possibility as the Aug. 31 waiver trade deadline approaches. Rosenthal speculated about various potential MLB moves, not only mentioning Eovaldi but also including starting pitcher Andrew Heaney and relievers David Robertson, Kirby Yates, and Jose Leclerc as candidates for waivers.

All four of these players will become free agents after this season.

Rosenthal pointed out that Eovaldi, who boasts a 3.05 ERA over 79 2/3 postseason innings, would almost certainly be claimed if placed on waivers, which the Rangers might consider. However, Rosenthal also noted that releasing effective pitchers for the final month of the season to cut costs would give the defending World Series champions an image of being financially conservative. He estimated that if four of the five pitchers were claimed, Texas could save nearly $6 million.

Players must be claimed by August 31 to be eligible for postseason rosters. Eovaldi, who missed his last start due to right side tightness, needs 36 more innings to activate a $20 million player option for 2025. As a free agent, he could potentially secure an even larger contract.

As of August 31, he will be owed almost $3 million for the remainder of his 2024 contract. Rosenthal suggested that if the Rangers opted for a waiver purge, they might use some of the savings to re-sign Eovaldi.