Texas Rangers: All-time Top-10 free agent signings

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All-Time Texas Ranger Signing No. 6

Colby Lewis

After being selected in the 1st round by the Texas Rangers in 1999, Colby Lewis‘ MLB career didn’t really get going until 2010 with… you guessed it, the Texas Rangers.

Lewis debuted in 2002. He pitched for Texas through ’04 and did not play in ’05. After throwing just 40 innings the next 2 years, Lewis attempted a career-reboot in Japan. In January of 2010, the then-30-year-old found himself back in Texas on a 2-year deal. Though Colby would pitch for Texas over the next 6 seasons, it’ that initial contract that slots him at #6 on our list.

The righty proved to be a workhorse for Texas. Turning in over 200 IP each season, Lewis turned out to be a bargain in the biggest way.

Lewis’ stats, including a 4.04 ERA, were not eye-popping. But, it was his postseason success that places him in Rangers glory and lands him on this list.

Lewis became the first Ranger’s pitcher to record a postseason win at home in game 2 of the ALCS in 2010. Over 13 IP in the ALCS, Lewis struck out 13 and allowed just 3 runs. He again recorded a franchise first when he was awarded the win in game 3 of the 2010 World Series, allowing just 2 runs in 7.2 IP.

Lewis posted a 4.40 ERA in 2011 with a high home run rate. However, he again shined in the postseason. The journeyman boasted a 2.29 World Series ERA in 3 starts between 2010 and ’11.

Lewis had an unconventional career. No one expected him to find the kind of success he did after returning to Texas. With the surprise success and playoff heroics, Colby finds himself in the middle of our list.