The Texas Rangers are looking ahead.
Way ahead.
According to USA Today’s Bob Nightengale, the Rangers have signed right-handed relief pitcher Declan Cronin to a two-year contract.
It’s a forward-thinking move because Cronin underwent Tommy John surgery in September. He’s all but certain to miss the entire 2026 season.
Essentially, it’s the Rangers locking down a guy they feel good about in the hopes that he can help them during 2027.
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Cronin is a 6-foot-4, 28-year old righty who was once a 36th-round pick out of Holy Cross by the Chicago White Sox.
He pitched in nine MLB games for the White Sox in 2023 with a 9.00 ERA.
He was much better in 2024 for the Miami Marlins. He got into 56 games and put up a 4.35 ERA. He had 72 strikeouts in 70.1 innings pitched.
Cronin didn’t appear in the majors in 2025. He pitched 21 games at Triple-A Jacksonville with a 4.87 ERA.
It’s a low-risk signing for the Rangers, given that Nightengale reported it is just a minor league contract.
And it’s not a bad deal for Cronin, who will have an organization’s backing as he rehabs his way back from Tommy John.
If everything works out, Cronin may find himself in a Rangers uniform in 2027.
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