Sep 25, 2024; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Miami Marlins pitcher Declan Cronin (51) delivers a pitch in the seventh inning against the Minnesota Twins at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-Imagn Images
βΎ Rangers Make a Forward-Thinking Move
The Texas Rangers are taking a smart, patient approach to shaping their pitching staff. Rather than chasing only headline-grabbing signings, theyβve quietly added a piece that could pay off significantly down the road. The team has officially signed MLB reliever Declan Cronin to a two-year minor league deal, giving them a potential bullpen boost for the 2027 season and beyond.
Cronin, who underwent Tommy John surgery just last month, will spend the entire 2026 season rehabbing. While that might make this move seem minor on the surface, it reflects the Rangersβ long-term vision: building a sustainable pipeline of arms that can support their core roster for years to come.
The deal was first reported by Bob Nightengale of USA Today, and while it didnβt make national headlines, similar low-cost signings have often turned into hidden gems for clubs that plan ahead.
π A Familiar Face for Schumaker
This isnβt just any signing β itβs also a reunion. Cronin will rejoin forces with Skip Schumaker, the Rangersβ newly hired manager. The pair previously worked together during the 2024 MLB season with the Miami Marlins, when Cronin emerged as a surprisingly steady presence in the bullpen.
That year, the right-hander logged 70 1/3 innings, posting a 4.35 ERA with strong strikeout and walk numbers. More impressively, he induced ground balls at a 58% clip, making him a reliable option for inducing weak contact in tight spots. Under Schumakerβs guidance, Cronin became a trusted middle-innings arm β a role Texas hopes he can eventually reprise.
Schumakerβs familiarity with Croninβs pitch profile, work ethic, and clubhouse presence likely played a major role in this signing. For a team undergoing a managerial transition, adding a player the skipper already trusts can help set the tone in future bullpens.
π©Ί Injury Setbacks and Road to Recovery
Croninβs path hasnβt been straightforward. His 2025 season was derailed almost immediately, starting with a Spring Training hip strain that landed him on the injured list. When he returned, his velocity noticeably dipped β his sinker averaged 91.8 MPH, down from 93.4 MPH the year prior. That decline signaled that something wasnβt quite right.
After being optioned to Triple-A Jacksonville, Cronin tried to work his way back into form, but further elbow discomfort forced another IL stint. In August, he was finally shut down completely, leading to the Tommy John procedure that will sideline him for all of 2026. Miami released him shortly thereafter to clear a 40-man roster spot, opening the door for Texas to swoop in.
The Rangers saw the situation not as a setback, but as an opportunity. By offering Cronin a two-year deal, theyβve locked in a pitcher with proven MLB experience and room to rebound β at a minimal financial risk.
π§ Strategic Depth for 2027 and Beyond
This signing is less about immediate impact and more about long-range planning. Once Cronin completes his rehab, heβs expected to enter Spring Training 2027 with a legitimate chance to compete for a middle relief role. Importantly, he still has two minor league options remaining, which gives the Rangers valuable flexibility in how they integrate him back into the mix.
Texas has made it clear this offseason that theyβre not just focused on quick fixes. With several key bullpen pieces aging and others approaching free agency, the front office is actively building layers of depth. A ground-ball specialist like Cronin β if he regains his pre-injury form β could slot in seamlessly and provide innings in critical situations.
For a club that wants to balance contention with sustainability, this is exactly the type of under-the-radar move that can pay dividends down the line π‘βΎ.
β FAQ Section
Q: Who is Declan Cronin?
A: Declan Cronin is a 28-year-old right-handed reliever who pitched for the Miami Marlins in 2024. He recorded a 4.35 ERA over 70+ innings with strong ground-ball numbers.
Q: Why did the Rangers sign him to a two-year deal if heβs injured?
A: Cronin underwent Tommy John surgery in 2025 and will miss the 2026 season. The Rangers signed him now to secure his services for 2027, when heβs expected to return healthy and ready to contribute.
Q: What role could he play once he returns?
A: Cronin is projected to compete for a middle relief role, giving Texas another reliable option in the bullpen as they shape their future pitching staff.
Q: How does Skip Schumaker factor into this signing?
A: Schumaker previously managed Cronin in Miami and knows his strengths well, which likely influenced the decision to bring him to Texas. Their established rapport could make his transition smoother once heβs back on the mound.
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