**Rangers Closing In On Deal with Right-Handed Reliever Luis Curvelo**
The Texas Rangers are nearing a deal with right-handed reliever Luis Curvelo, according to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi. The agreement is expected to be a major league contract for the 24-year-old.
Curvelo, a Venezuelan native, became one of the more sought-after free agents during the recent GM Meetings in San Antonio, with Morosi reporting that he was viewed as one of the most appealing targets, despite not being among the top-tier relievers on the market. His appeal likely stems from his potential as a low-risk, high-reward option who could contribute at a fraction of the cost of a proven major league arm.
Signed by the Mariners as an international free agent in 2018, Curvelo progressed through the minor leagues and reached Double-A Arkansas in 2024. This past season, he posted the best numbers of his career, including a 2.57 ERA and a 3.03 FIP over 49 games (66 2/3 innings). Despite an unusually low 7.8% HR/FB rate and a .227 BABIP, suggesting some regression may be coming, Curvelo’s performance was still impressive, especially with a 30.6% strikeout rate.
Although Curvelo had been a full-time reliever since his age-18 season and was never ranked highly in Seattle’s system, FanGraphs’ Eric Longenhagen ranked him the No. 31 prospect in the Mariners organization in July, praising his slider while expressing concerns about his fastball. Curvelo was even more dominant after July, posting a 1.86 ERA, 2.44 FIP, and a 33.6% strikeout rate in his final 29 innings.
The Mariners allowed Curvelo to leave as he became eligible for minor league free agency this offseason. To retain him, they would have needed to add him to their 40-man roster, but they chose not to make room. The Rangers, with four open spots on their 40-man roster, are in a better position to sign him and provide him an opportunity to contribute in their bullpen. While Curvelo will likely begin the 2025 season at Triple-A Round Rock, Texas hopes he will be part of their big league bullpen at some point.
The Rangers’ bullpen struggled last season, ranking 26th in ERA, 23rd in SIERA, and 25th in WAR. With key veterans like Kirby Yates and David Robertson now free agents, the bullpen is a clear area of need as the team aims to compete in 2025. However, with owner Ray Davis reportedly aiming to stay under the $241 million luxury tax threshold, president of baseball operations Chris Young is likely targeting affordable upside options like Curvelo.
