The Texas Rangers have officially brought back right-handed reliever Josh Sborz, agreeing to a minor league contract that includes an invitation to major league spring training. Represented by the McNamara Baseball Group, Sborz will return to an organization he knows well as he looks to reestablish himself following an injury-plagued stretch.
Now 32 years old, Sborz rejoins the Rangers after spending the last five seasons with the club. His most notable contribution came during the 2023 season, which culminated in Texas capturing its first World Series title. While his regular-season numbers that year were less than eye-catching—he posted a 5.50 ERA—advanced metrics painted a more favorable picture. Sborz limited walks at a respectable 7.9% rate and struck out an impressive 30.7% of opposing hitters, well above league average. A low 56% strand rate inflated his ERA, as reflected by his more encouraging 3.75 FIP and 3.05 SIERA, suggesting he was more effective than traditional stats indicated.
Sborz’s value became even more evident during the postseason. He emerged as a key bullpen weapon, throwing 12 innings across 10 playoff appearances while surrendering just one earned run. He also recorded 13 strikeouts, playing a critical role in the Rangers’ championship run and solidifying his reputation as a high-leverage reliever when healthy.
Unfortunately, injuries derailed his momentum. Throughout 2024, Sborz battled ongoing shoulder and rotator cuff problems, limiting him to just 16 1/3 innings on the mound. In November of that year, he underwent shoulder debridement surgery, a procedure that was expected to keep him sidelined for the early portion of the 2025 season. However, his rehabilitation did not progress as planned, and he ultimately missed the entire year.
Texas had the option to retain Sborz through arbitration for 2026. Players who miss a full season often receive similar salary projections, and MLB Trade Rumors contributor Matt Swartz estimated Sborz would earn roughly $1.1 million, matching his 2025 salary. Instead, the Rangers opted not to tender him a contract, allowing him to enter free agency.
From the team’s perspective, bringing Sborz back on a non-roster deal carries minimal risk. The Rangers can evaluate his health and monitor whether his velocity rebounds now that he is further removed from surgery. Velocity decline was a concern previously, but additional recovery time could make a difference.
This move also fits into a broader pattern for Texas, which has spent the last two offseasons attempting to assemble a competitive bullpen while operating under budget constraints. Last winter, the club signed several relievers—Chris Martin, Hoby Milner, Luke Jackson, Jacob Webb, and Shawn Armstrong—to short-term deals worth $5.5 million or less. Many performed adequately but departed via free agency, leaving the Rangers to once again rebuild their relief corps.
This offseason, Texas has re-signed Martin and added Jakob Junis, Alexis Díaz, and Tyler Alexander, all on contracts valued at $4 million or less. They will join returning arms such as Robert Garcia and Cole Winn, with Rule 5 pick Carter Baumler also in the mix. Sborz now enters camp hoping to earn his way back onto the major league roster and contribute once again to the Rangers’ bullpen.
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