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Texas Rangers Bring Back Josh Sborz on Minor League Deal
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- Texas Rangers Bring Back Josh Sborz on Minor League Deal
The Texas Rangers announced Monday that they have re-signed right-handed reliever Josh Sborz to a minor league deal with an invite to big league camp, bringing back a familiar arm as the club continues to reshape its bullpen depth.
Sborz, 32, returns to the organization he has been part of for the past five seasons, a tenure highlighted by his pivotal role in the Rangers' 2023 World Series championship run.
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While his regular season that year produced uneven surface-level results, Sborz emerged as one of the most effective relievers in the postseason, delivering when it mattered most.
During the 2023 regular season, Sborz posted a 5.50 ERA, but several underlying indicators painted a more encouraging picture. He paired a strong strikeout rate with solid control, and advanced metrics suggested his run prevention was impacted by unfavorable sequencing rather than declining stuff.
That trend reversed dramatically in October, when Sborz became a trusted late-inning option. He allowed just one earned run across 12 postseason innings, striking out 13 hitters and playing a key role in the Rangers' title run.
Since then, injuries have derailed his availability. Shoulder and rotator cuff issues limited Sborz throughout the 2024 season, restricting him to just 16 1/3 innings.
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He underwent shoulder surgery later that year, a procedure expected to sideline him into the early portion of the following season. His recovery, however, did not progress as hoped, and he ultimately missed the entire 2025 campaign.
Texas had the option to retain Sborz through arbitration for 2026 but instead chose to non-tender him, allowing him to reach free agency.
Rather than parting ways permanently, the Rangers opted for a lower-risk reunion via a non-roster contract, giving the club an opportunity to evaluate his health and effectiveness without a guaranteed roster spot.
For Sborz, the arrangement offers a clear path back into contention if his velocity and command return. Being further removed from surgery could work in his favor, particularly as Texas searches for reliable bullpen contributors.
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The signing also reflects the Rangers' broader offseason approach. For the second straight winter, the club has emphasized cost-effective bullpen construction, supplementing internal options with short-term, modestly priced additions.
Texas has already brought back Chris Martin and added several veteran arms, creating a competitive mix that Sborz will attempt to crack during spring training.
If healthy, Sborz's postseason pedigree and familiarity with the organization could make him an intriguing option as the Rangers look to solidify their relief corps ahead of Opening Day.
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