Andrew Heaney Signs With Rangers

Andrew Heaney has signed with the Texas Rangers, according to Alden González of ESPN.

The contract is a two-year, $25 million, with an opt-out after the 2023 season, according to Joel Sherman of the New York Post. The contract has a chance to reach close to $40 million with bonuses.

Heaney signed a one-year deal with the Dodgers before the 2022 season after pitching to nearly a 6.00 ERA in 2021. In 2022, Heaney recorded a career-best 3.10 ERA, 136 ERA+, 13.6 SO/9, 3.75 FIP, and 1.036 WHIP.

Before signing with the Rangers, the Mets had been linked to Heaney. The Mets reportedly had a zoom conference with the left-hander last week and were in the mix to land him.

Heaney joins former Mets’ ace Jacob deGrom in the Rangers rotation. Texas has been a major player in the free-agent market over the last two seasons and is looking to contend in a grueling AL West division in 2023. The Rangers finished 68-94 in 2022 and haven’t finished with a winning record since 2016. The Rangers are also reportedly still in on Carlos Rodón, too.

With Heaney off the market, the second-tier starting pitching market has gained momentum, according to Sherman of the New York Post. He also reports that former Met Taijuan Walker could receive a deal before the end of the Winter Meetings.