The Texas Rangers have begun to make some moves in January. Yesterday saw the signing of 23 international prospects, including Paulino Santana and Curley Martha, who has been signed to a minor league contract. You can read yesterday’s article here. Today, the Rangers have made an interesting move in acquiring a pitcher, but not the one we expected or hoped to see return.
The Texas Rangers have received RHP Daniel Duarte from the Cincinnati Reds in exchange for cash considerations. Duarte is a native of Huatabampo, Mexico, and is relatively new to the Major League scene, having spent quite a few years in the minors and winter leagues. He has amassed a 4.19 ERA over thirty-four games in his two years with the Reds. However, Urena has not been credited with a loss and has only given up six home runs over those 34 games. Over that time, he faced 150 batters, walked 23, struck out 25, and recorded only 27 hits against him. Duarte still qualifies for rookie status in 2024 due to injuries and time down in the minors during prior seasons.
While these stats are less than promising, his winter league stats are vastly different. He has played the last seven seasons for the Mexican Pacific Winter League. He has had three career starts and 114 relief appearances for Yaquis de Obregon, Caneros de los Mochis, and Team Mexico. During that time, he has gone 10-6 with a 3.09 ERA and is credited with one save. His arrival could herald good things to come. However, he does fill the final spot in the 40-man roster.
Also joining the club for spring training in Surprise, Arizona, is RHP Jose Urena. The Rangers have signed Urena to a minor league contract with an invitation to spring training. Urena is a native of Santo Domingo, Dominican Republic, and has been playing professional baseball in one aspect or another since 2009. The Miami Marlins brought him to the Show on April 14, 2015. He has spent time in Miami, Detroit, Toronto, Milwaukee, Colorado, and Chicago. He has a career ERA of 4.89. Urena has been credited with 39 wins, 69 losses, and four saves across 199 games. Of the 3,647 batters faced, he walked 315, intentionally walked 23, struck out 565, 45 hit by pitch, three balks, and recorded 870 hits against him.
Does that mean Jordan Montgomery isn’t returning? Not necessarily. We can only hope that the lure of free Hurtado BBQ for life might bring him back.
