As the curtain falls on the 2025 Texas Rangers season, it’s impossible not to feel a surge of admiration for Nathan Eovaldi, the starting pitcher who defied expectations and delivered a performance that left fans and critics alike in awe. But here’s where it gets controversial: was 2025 truly his best season, or just a remarkable chapter in a career marked by resilience and inconsistency? Let’s dive in.
Nathan Eovaldi is more than just a pitcher; he’s a beacon of positivity on and off the field. His ability to connect with teammates, mentor younger players, and maintain a stellar attitude makes him a locker room favorite. And let’s not forget his on-field prowess—he throws strikes with precision, minimizes walks, and keeps runs at bay. It’s no wonder he’s a fan favorite. And this is the part most people miss: his 2025 season wasn’t just good; it was historic for a 35-year-old.
With a 1.73 ERA, Eovaldi was on track to contend for the ERA title until a rotator cuff strain in late August cut his season short. While he fell shy of the 162 innings needed to qualify—thanks to an earlier injury that sidelined him for a month—he still managed 130 innings over 22 starts. Here’s the bold truth: Eovaldi’s durability has always been his Achilles’ heel. Since his debut with the Los Angeles Dodgers in 2011, he’s qualified for the ERA title just three times. Yet, when he’s on the mound, he’s a force to be reckoned with.
In 2025, Eovaldi went at least five innings in all but three starts. Two of those exceptions were injury-related, and the third was a strategic pull with two outs in the fifth. He pitched six or more innings in 14 of his 22 starts, allowed more than three runs just once (a five-run outing against Arizona), and kept earned runs to two or fewer in 19 games. His walk rate was equally impressive, with zero or one unintentional walk in 18 starts. Even more astonishing? He performed better on the road (1.39 ERA) than at home (2.15 ERA), a rarity for Rangers pitchers in 2025.
Eovaldi’s pitch repertoire is a masterclass in versatility. He throws his splitter, fastball, cutter, and curve with equal confidence, each delivering solid results. His occasional sinker is effective, and while his rarely used slider isn’t his strongest pitch, it hardly matters—he doesn’t rely on it. But here’s the question that sparks debate: Is Eovaldi’s 2025 bWAR of 4.3—his career-best—enough to crown it his greatest season, especially when his 2021 fWAR of 5.7 outshines his 2025 fWAR of 3.7? It’s a tough call, and one that invites passionate discussion.
Personally, I’ll admit I was skeptical when the Rangers signed Eovaldi in the 2022-23 offseason. Fast forward to now, and I’m rooting for him to retire in a Rangers uniform. His impact extends far beyond statistics—he’s a player who embodies the spirit of the game.
What do you think? Was 2025 Nathan Eovaldi’s best season, or does his career-high fWAR in 2021 take the crown? Share your thoughts in the comments—let’s keep the debate alive!
