Rangers Sign Starting Pitcher Who Was Key Piece In Nolan Arenado Trade
.jpg "Colorado Rockies starting pitcher Austin Gomber reacts during 2025 game.")
Why Texas thinks there is still something here
Gomber is 32, but he has real starting experience and a track record that once looked like a steady mid rotation type.
He debuted with the St. Louis Cardinals in 2018, posted a 1.86 ERA in 14 outings during the shortened 2020 season, and later became a key piece going to the Colorado Rockies in the Nolan Arenado trade.
The Rangers and LHP Austin Gomber have agreed to a Minor League deal. Includes ST invite.
— Aram Leighton (@AramLeighton8) January 25, 2026
Gomber, 32, owns a career 5.08 ERA over seven seasons (705.2 IP), five of which calling Coors Field home.
Even in Colorado, he flashed usefulness, including a 2024 season where he logged 165 innings and graded out at a league average 100 ERA+, which is the kind of baseline clubs will take if the role is fifth starter or multi inning depth.
The risk is obvious, but the upside is cheap depth
The wheels came off in 2025, when Gomber was hit hard over 12 starts with a 7.49 ERA and was released by the Rockies on August 22, 2025.
Still, Texas is betting the environment change can help a pitch to contact lefty, and there is at least a late season bread crumb, because he finished the year in the Chicago Cubs organization and put up a 0.47 ERA in 19 innings at Triple A Iowa.
The Rangers have signed left-hander Austin Gomber to a minor league deal with an invite to MLB Spring Training.
— Rangers Nation ⚾️ (@Rangers__Nation) January 25, 2026
Gomber, 32, is a former Cardinals draft pick who was part of the Nolan Arenado trade to Colorado, spending the majority of his seven-year career with the Rockies. He… pic.twitter.com/0L18VKLdzo
If spring training goes sideways for anyone in the back end mix, or if injuries pop up, Gomber is the kind of veteran the Rangers can plug in without scrambling.
Photo Credit: Paul Rutherford-Imagn Images
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