The Texas Rangers have continued their offseason focus on strengthening pitching depth, bringing back right-handed starter Cal Quantrill on a minor league contract that includes an invitation to spring training. The move gives Texas another experienced arm as the club looks to protect itself against injuries and workload concerns across a long season.
Quantrill finished last season with the Rangers organization, and his return as a non-roster invitee offers the team flexibility as it evaluates its rotation and bullpen options heading into camp. While the deal does not guarantee a roster spot, it gives Quantrill a clear opportunity to compete for a role and provides Texas with an insurance option should the need arise during the season.
The 2025 campaign proved uneven for the former first-round pick. Quantrill opened the year with the Miami Marlins after signing a one-year, $3.5 million contract and logged 24 starts, throwing 109 2/3 innings. Despite the workload, results were inconsistent, as he posted a 5.50 ERA and struck out just 17.4 percent of opposing hitters. After a difficult April, he showed signs of improvement in the middle of the season before struggling again in August, allowing 15 runs over three starts. Miami ultimately designated him for assignment.
The Atlanta Braves claimed Quantrill in an effort to cover rotation losses caused by injuries, but his stint was brief and challenging. He allowed 12 earned runs in just eight innings across two appearances before being released. Texas signed him to a minor league deal in early September, and Quantrill responded with a strong showing at Triple-A Round Rock. In two starts, he surrendered only two earned runs on eight hits while striking out 14 batters over 11 innings, flashing the form that once made him a reliable rotation piece.
Earlier in his career, Quantrill enjoyed his most consistent stretch with the Cleveland Guardians from 2020 through 2023. During that span, he made 75 starts and appeared in 99 games overall, compiling a 3.58 ERA, a 1.25 WHIP, and 320 strikeouts. His durability and effectiveness translated to 5.7 WAR, highlighted by a standout 2021 season in which he posted a 2.89 ERA over nearly 150 innings and started two games in the American League Division Series. One trait that has followed Quantrill throughout his career is his ability to limit walks, a skill that fits well with a Rangers staff that ranked among the league’s best in walk prevention last season.
Originally selected eighth overall by the Padres in the 2016 draft, Quantrill has since pitched for multiple organizations, including San Diego, Cleveland, Colorado, Miami, Atlanta, and Texas. Results have varied, particularly after leaving Cleveland, but the Rangers see value in his experience and versatility.
Texas’ projected 2026 rotation features Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore, and Jack Leiter, with Kumar Rocker or Jacob Latz competing for the final spot while Cody Bradford works his way back. By adding Quantrill—along with other depth signings—the Rangers ensure they have options. Whether as a starter or a bullpen arm, Quantrill gives Texas another adaptable piece as it prepares for the grind of the season.
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