GOOD NEWS : Rangers News: Texas loses pitcher to Reds but rebounds to sign lefty in free agency

The Texas Rangers are continuing to make moves to strengthen their major league roster. They had one of the longest to-do lists in the league going into the offseason, but they’ve since traded for some much-needed power, re-signed their starter, added a backup catcher, and made their second major bullpen addition.

First it was right-hander Jacob Webb, but on Thursday the Rangers brought aboard left-hander Hoby Milner, whose been an oft-used reliever out of the Brewers’ bullpen for the past few years. As of now at this moment, Milner is the third left-handed reliever anticipated to be on the Rangers’ Opening Day roster with Jake Latz and youngster Walter Pennington.

In addition to acquiring Milner, the Rangers cleared a spot on their 40-man roster when pitcher Roansy Contreras was waived to the Cincinnati Reds. Rangers sign Hoby Milner to a one-year contract following Roansy Contreras’ departure.
Milner, 33, is a native of Dallas, Texas, and will fit right in with his new company. The southpaw has been as durable as they come in recent years, making 61 appearances in each of the last three seasons in Milwaukee.

Milner has a peculiar sidearm windup and does not throw hard. However, his unusual mechanics can make it tough for opponents to pick up on some of his offerings. He doesn’t strike a lot.Rangers News: Texas loses pitcher to Reds but rebounds to sign lefty in free  agency

His low velocity causes batters to strike out, but he has a lot of movement on his throws and has been a very effective pitcher throughout his career. Milner’s FIP has been in the 3.13-3.16 region for the past three years, even though his ERA has not always matched it. He posted a 3.76 ERA in 2022 and a 1.82 ERA in 2023 before finishing with a 4.73 ERA this season. However, his 3.14 FIP from previous year indicates that he was more unfortunate than anything else. Milner will be a welcome addition to the Rangers’ bullpen, which is badly lacking in experience.

Rangers lose Roansy Contreras on waivers to the Reds.
Then there’s Contreras, who is currently part of the Reds organization. The twenty-five year-old

At one point, he appeared to be a solid starter-in-the-making with the Pittsburgh Pirates until exhibiting such substantial inconsistency that they released him. This season, the right-hander had 46 bullpen appearances (three starts) for the Pirates and Angels, with a 4.35 ERA, 5.16 FIP, and 97 ERA+. He was formerly predicted to be the Rangers’ closer in 2025, but he has yet to demonstrate his ability to fill that job throughout his four-year career.

We’d consider this a worthwhile trade for the Rangers, who desperately need capable bullpen arms in 2025.

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