Texas adds former Braves, Padres pitcher with latest signing

The Texas Rangersin an effort to deepen their rotation, they re-signed right-handed starter Cal Quantrill to a minor league contractwith an invitation to spring camp with signing. After closing out last season in Texas, Quantrill rejoins as a non-roster call-up, giving the Rangers additional leeway in managing their pitching staff.

The 2025 season was a tumultuous one for Quantrill. Originally signed by the Miami Marlins to a one-year, $3.5 million deal, he made 24 starts and pitched 109 2/3 innings, but struggled to a 5.50 ERA, striking out 17.4% of batters faced. After a challenging April and a midseason bounce, he stumbled in August, allowing 15 runs in three starts. Miami designated him for assignment, and the Atlanta Braves added him to fill gaps in the rotation caused by injuries. In his two appearances for Atlanta, Quantrill surrendered 12 earned runs in eight innings before being released by the team. Texas later signed him to a minor league contract on September 7, where he made two starts for Triple-A Round Rock, allowing just two earned runs on eight hits with 14 strikeouts in 11 innings.

Quantrill has shown periods of consistency in his career, particularly during his time with the Cleveland Guardians from 2020 to 2023. Over four seasons in the American League, he made 75 starts in a total of 99 games, posting a 3.58 ERA with 320 strikeouts and a 1.25 WHIP. That 5.7 VAR range speaks to his enduring effectiveness and impact on the field. Conversely, over four National League seasons with the San Diego Padres, Colorado Rockies, Marlins and Braves, he posted a 5.24 ERA, 302 strikeouts and a 1.43 WHIP, revealing some inconsistency after leaving Cleveland. One consistent factor throughout his career has been his ability to limit walks, a skill that is consistent with the Rangers’ sixth-most MLB performance in walks allowed last season.

Originally drafted eighth overall by San Diego in 2016, Quantrill began his major league career in 2019. He was traded to the Guardians in 2020 as part of the multi-player deal that brought Mike Clevinger to the Padres. During his prime with Cleveland, Quantrill posted a career-high 2.89 ERA in 149 2/3 innings in 2021, striking out 121 with 47 walks and earning a 3.7 bVAR. He also made a postseason appearance, starting two games in the 2021 ALDS against the Yankees.

Texas’ 2026 rotation is led by Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Mackenzie Gore and Jack Leiter, with the fifth spot likely occupied by either Kumar Roker or Jacob Latz. Cody Bradford is likely to return in May. With Quantrill, along with minor league signings Austin Gomber and Nabil Chrismat, the Rangers provide significant pitching depth. Quantrill could begin the season at Triple-A Round Rock, but the Rangers could call him up as either a starter or a backup, depending on the team’s needs, allowing the team to maintain flexibility throughout the season.