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Pitcher Nathan Eovaldi's two seasons with the Texas Rangers have been eventful, to say the least. In addition to racking up another All-Star nod, the ace was instrumental in delivering the franchise's first-ever World Series last year.
However, the reigning World Series champions now find themselves 5.5 games out of the final AL Wild Card spot. As such, discussions about possibly dealing the starter have increased in recent weeks. Today, we are examining some possible trade destinations for the 34-year-old Eovaldi.
Top 3 Landing Spots for Nathan Eovaldi
3. Houston Astros
While the Houston Astros' .261 batting average ranks the team first in the category, manager Joe Espada's starting pitching has struggled. With the exception of Ronel Blanco, every Astros starter has an ERA above 3.50.
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With Nathan Eovaldi, the Astros can pick up a pitcher with playoff experience and the capabilities needed to level up their underperforming rotation to postseason standards. The fact that Eovaldi was born and raised in the Houston area likely doesn't hurt the club's trade appetite, either.
"Nathan Eovaldi, Wicked 88mph Splitter." - Rob Friedman
2. Minnesota Twins
Despite holding the AL's second wild card spot, pitching has been highly spotty for the Minnesota Twins this season. The club's ERA ranks 21st out of 30 teams, while expected-aces like Pablo Lopez have struggled to perform as well as in years gone by.
"Nathan Eovaldi's 7th and 8th Ks." - Rob Friedman
Ignited by their first postseason series win in two decades last season, Twins fans are playoff-hungry. If the club wants to pick up another arm for its postseason hopes, Eovaldi is one of the best options on the market.
1. Boston Red Sox
Previously a member of the Boston Red Sox from 2018 until 2022, Eovaldi's time in Beantown brought forth some commendable results. In 2021, Eovaldi went 11-9, making a league-best 32 starts and finishing as a Cy Young contender with a 3.75 ERA.
"Double-digit strikeouts for Nathan Eovaldi tonight!" - Foul Territory
On the cusp of a postseason berth, Boston understands that pitching is at a premium right now. Although Kutter Crawford and Tanner Houck have pitched extremely well for the Sox, a 2018 World Series veteran like Eovaldi is exactly what the Sox want right now. Watch out for Chief Baseball Officer Craig Breslow, himself a former pitcher, to attempt to land Eovaldi in the coming days.
