The Texas Rangers are banking on Nathan Eovaldi’s arm to thrive, signing the pitching ace to a hefty three-year, $75 million deal as they brace for yet another tumultuous TV contract saga.

This splashy signing not only solidifies the Rangers' pitching rotation, which now features Eovaldi alongside big names like Jacob deGrom and Jon Gray, but it also raises eyebrows given the team's ongoing struggle to secure a reliable TV contract. As Eovaldi's 3.63 ERA from the last season and perfect playoff record seem promising, Texas fans are left wondering if they’ll be able to see their $75 million investment on their screens or if they’ll have to settle for watching Eovaldi dominate on grainy livestreams from a friend’s basement.

Eovaldi, now 34 years old, was one of the hottest commodities on the free agent market. His impressive 2023 season, highlighted by an All-Star selection, made him an attractive option for teams looking to bolster their pitching lineups. Before deciding to rejoin the Rangers, Eovaldi’s services caught the attention of the New York Mets, leaving Mets fans to ponder if they were about to be treated to the sight of him striking out opposing batters with their blue and orange emblem on his cap. Instead, they are left to figure out how to spell 'disappointment.'

The Rangers' decision to secure Eovaldi for the next three years is emblematic of their belief that he can continue to perform at an elite level. With a 3.80 ERA and a 1.10 WHIP across 29 starts in 2024, Eovaldi demonstrated a level of reliability that general managers can only dream about. And by reliability, we mean the kind that doesn't send fans into full-on existential crises every time he takes the mound. But did we mention he also racked up a perfect 5-0 record during the 2023 World Series? Elementary statistics suggest that's pretty good.

Of course, this deal is not without its complications. The Rangers are still grappling with uncertainties regarding their TV contract. It’s a dramatic affair worthy of prime-time television, yet those watching at home might feel left in the dark. Fans hope their investment in Eovaldi won’t translate into not being able to watch him in action—but who are they kidding? They’ll either see him pitch or they’ll see random cat videos just like everyone else.

Eovaldi’s journey to Texas has been a long one, previously spending time with the Red Sox and Yankees. So, in a way, he's done the full tour of the American League East before heading back to Texas, presumably searching for a better barbecue scene. But does playing for three different major franchises before landing in Arlington put him in an exclusive club? Maybe it’s a talented pitcher’s rite of passage, or perhaps it’s just a cautionary tale of moving companies not needing a mortgage.

The Rangers' current rotation now boasts an impressive lineup, enhanced by the addition of Eovaldi. Alongside him are the formidable Jacob deGrom and Jon Gray, as well as Tyler Mahle and Cody Bradford. It’s a pitching quintet that might lead one to legitimately consider starting a podcast dedicated to analyzing their pitch counts. For Rangers fans, however, the real question remains if one more starter and two relievers—who the Rangers are also eyeing—will tip the balance in their favor come next season. Is more really merrier?

With Eovaldi in the mix, Texas hopes to revitalize its pitching strategy. Eovaldi’s success in the postseason not only raises expectations among Rangers' fans but also creates a palpable amount of pressure to perform from day one. After all, those perfectly weighted fastballs don’t just throw themselves. Whether Eovaldi can transition to being the ace in the regular season will not be just a personal quest; it's a communal hope for fans who want him to translate his postseason prowess into an extended season of greatness.

As the offseason progresses, the Rangers’ front office will be whisking through ideas on improving the roster, even as they tackle the enigma of their TV contract. It remains to be seen how they plan to fill those gaps while also ensuring there will be plenty of room in fans’ living rooms for watching these new signings. For Nathan Eovaldi, the goal is clear—help the Rangers put together a team that competes for championships while avoiding the pitfalls of a nonexistent viewing audience. There’s always next-generation technology, but let’s hope for the good old-fashioned luxury of watching Eovaldi on TV, instead of TikTok snippets narrated by an overly-enthusiastic twelve-year-old.

In summary, Eovaldi is back with the Rangers and ready to make an impact, earning a hefty paycheck along the way. The only question left is whether the excitement of watching him play will be matched by the ability to actually see him play, especially given the uncertainty surrounding the Rangers' TV contract.