The Texas Rangers continue to quietly shape their pitching staff just two weeks ahead of Spring Training, adding another veteran arm in a move that could pay off if things click at the right time. On Sunday, the Rangers announced a minor-league deal with seven-year left-handed veteran Austin Gomber, a pitcher with major league experience who will enter Spring Training with a chance to compete for the fifth starter role.
Gomber’s journey has been anything but linear. Drafted by the St. Louis Cardinals in 2014, he debuted in the big leagues in 2018 and posted a respectable 3.72 ERA across 104 innings over his two stints with St. Louis. Following the 2020 season, Gomber was traded to the Colorado Rockies in the blockbuster deal that sent Nolan Arenado to the Cardinals, instantly putting him in the most challenging pitching environment in baseball: Coors Field.
The results in Colorado were a mixed bag. Over five seasons and 601.2 innings pitched, Gomber posted a 5.31 ERA, allowing a league-leading 30 home runs in 2024 alone. The thin air of Coors Field exposed every margin of error, making even solid outings a risk. His 2025 season was particularly rough 0-7 with a 7.49 ERA — but there were flashes of promise in AAA, where he allowed just one run over his final 19 innings with the Cubs’ affiliate. That late-season performance shows that when he’s on, Gomber still has the ability to be effective, even if consistency has been an issue.
Now in Texas, Gomber faces an uphill battle. The Rangers’ rotation is shaping up with Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi leading the staff, followed by talented young arms MacKenzie Gore and Jack Leiter. The fifth starter spot remains wide open, with Gomber competing against Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker for the role. If Latz or Rocker claim it, Gomber could still see a role as a swing man out of the bullpen, providing innings and depth in long relief — a role that could be pivotal in a grueling 162-game season.
The stakes are high for Gomber. Last season, the Rangers boasted arguably the best pitching staff in baseball, and expectations are high for 2026 as the team looks to replicate that success. A bounce-back from the offense, combined with a steady pitching rotation, could make the Rangers serious postseason contenders for the first time since their 2023 championship run. For Gomber, Spring Training is the proving ground. His performance starting February 20th against the Kansas City Royals could determine whether he earns a spot on the Opening Day roster or returns to a minor-league assignment to refine his craft.
Gomber’s signing reflects the Rangers’ strategy: add experienced arms with upside, mix in young talent, and build a pitching staff that can withstand both injuries and the long MLB grind. While his history shows ups and downs, the right environment, coaching, and a bit of luck could allow him to thrive. For Texas, Gomber isn’t just a minor-league depth piece — he’s a potential key contributor to a rotation built for contention.
