3 Rangers Who Will Be Replaced By Free Agent Signings

3. Matt Bush

For all the things that the Rangers did right in 2023, their bullpen's performance wasn't one of them. On top of combining for the seventh-worst bullpen ERA during the regular season, Texas' relievers also allowed the 11th-most earned runs and third-most homers with the second-fewest strikeouts.

That's why it's critical for the Rangers to upgrade the bullpen this offseason, which includes replacing Matt Bush with a more reliable arm.

After being released by the Milwaukee Brewers in early July, Bush signed a minor-league deal with Texas just over a week later. Some fans hoped that a return to the organization would help the veteran hurler get back on track after being a solid arm for the Rangers in his first two MLB seasons.

After going 0-2 with a 9.58 ERA in 12 showings with the Brewers, Bush seemingly found his footing with Triple A-Frisco. He didn't have an issue getting the better of his minor-league competition, pitching to a 3.00 ERA with 11.0 strikeouts per 9 innings across 15 games (1 start).

Bush's spot in the organization became clear the second the playoffs began. Despite being added to Texas' Wild Card and ALDS rosters, Bush didn't see a single pitch of postseason baseball before being held out of the ALCS and World Series lineups.

Even though Bush has one year left under team control, the Rangers can't afford to put him into their bullpen. They're better off signing any free-agent reliever who can finish games without issuing 4.4 homers and 5.2 walks per 9 innings.

In other words, pretty much any available arm would be an improvement over Bush.

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