Rangers Strike Deals with Dunning and Sborz – What’s Next for Their Arbitration-Eligible Trio?

The Texas Rangers have secured one-year contracts with right-handed pitchers Dane Dunning and Josh Sborz ahead of Friday night’s tender deadline. The agreements leave the team with three players—first baseman Nathaniel Lowe, catcher Jonah Heim, and center fielder Leody Taveras—still eligible for salary arbitration.

Details of the Agreements

Dunning, who faced a challenging season due to right shoulder issues, agreed to a $2.66 million contract for 2025. The deal includes $985,000 in performance bonuses tied to innings pitched. Specific incentives are as follows:

– $50,000 each for reaching 30, 40, 50, and 60 innings

– $75,000 each for reaching 70, 80, and 90 innings

– $80,000 each for milestones at 100, 105, 110, 120, 130, 140, and 150 innings

Dunning’s 2024 salary of $3.325 million was reduced due to his stints on the injured list. He posted a 5-7 record with a 5.31 ERA in 26 games (15 starts) while splitting time between the rotation and bullpen.

Sborz, who recently underwent right shoulder surgery, signed a $1.1 million deal with $250,000 in potential bonuses tied to innings pitched. His incentives include:

– $25,000 for five innings

– $50,000 for 10 innings

– $75,000 for 15 innings

– $100,000 for 20 innings

Sborz made $1.025 million in 2024 but pitched only 16 1/3 innings across 17 appearances due to recurring shoulder issues.

Injury Concerns and Recovery Updates

Sborz, who was instrumental in the Rangers’ 2023 World Series victory, underwent a shoulder debridement procedure on November 13, performed by Dr. Neal ElAttrache in Los Angeles. The Rangers are optimistic about his return during the first half of the 2025 season.

Dunning, similarly affected by shoulder issues, missed 29 games in 2024 and spent time at Triple-A Round Rock. Despite his struggles, Dunning remains a valuable rotation and bullpen option.

Remaining Arbitration-Eligible Players

The Rangers tendered 2025 contract offers to all 27 eligible players on their big-league roster. Three key players—Nathaniel Lowe, Jonah Heim, and Leody Taveras—are still in arbitration discussions.

– Nathaniel Lowe: A cornerstone of the Rangers’ infield

– Jonah Heim: A switch-hitting catcher and defensive standout

– Leody Taveras: A reliable center fielder

Looking Ahead

The Rangers’ proactive roster management demonstrates their focus on building a competitive team for the 2025 season. By securing Dunning and Sborz and tendering contracts to key players, the team ensures continuity while addressing injury recovery timelines.

With arbitration still pending for Lowe, Heim, and Taveras, the Rangers are poised to finalize their roster as they aim to defend their World Series title in the coming season.