Texas Rangers Bolster Bullpen with Shawn Armstrong Signing
The Texas Rangers continued their active offseason on Monday, adding experienced reliever Shawn Armstrong to their bullpen with a one-year deal. The move was announced by president of baseball operations Chris Young, who noted Armstrong’s track record of success, particularly his performance with the Tampa Bay Rays.
To make room for Armstrong on the 40-man roster, the Rangers designated catcher Sam Huff for assignment, signaling a shift in the team’s depth chart.
This signing marks the fourth bullpen addition the Rangers have made during the offseason. Armstrong joins Hoby Milner, Jacob Webb, and Luis Curvelo as the team’s new acquisitions to reinforce a bullpen that underwent significant turnover after several key relievers hit free agency. Kirby Yates, David Robertson, José Leclerc, and José Ureña all reached free agency, and Andrew Chafin’s club option was declined, leaving a clear need for reinforcements.
Young expressed optimism about Armstrong’s potential impact on the bullpen, pointing to his past successes and veteran experience. “Shawn is somebody we feel like is going to help our bullpen,” Young said via Zoom. “He’s had a track record of success, obviously, a couple years ago with Tampa. He’s someone we are excited about in terms of raising the floor of our bullpen and helping us as we build out our bullpen.”
In a related move, the Rangers also acquired reliever Robert Garcia from the Washington Nationals in a trade that sent first baseman Nathaniel Lowe to Washington.
With these latest moves, the Rangers are looking to solidify their pitching staff as they continue to strengthen their roster ahead of the 2024 season.
