Jacob

Webb

The contract has incentives that can push the deal to $2 million and also has a club option for $2.5 million for 2027. Webb pitched well for the Rangers last year, posting a 3.00 ERA and 58/19 K/BB ratio in 55 appearances. He also has a 2.99 ERA over 247 MLB appearances with the Braves, Angels, Orioles and Rangers.

Webb’s designation is a bit of a surprise, as he was effective in his 55 relief appearances with a 3.00 ERA and 58/19 K/BB ratio. Sborz was less effective, but teams will likely have interest in the right-hander as a potential mid-inning option. The same can be said about Webb, but likely with more guaranteed cash.

Webb returns to bolster Texas’ high-leverage mix following a three-week absence recovering from back spasms. The 32-year-old righty has compiled a strong 3.75 ERA and 39/14 K/BB ratio across 48 innings in 42 appearances.

No word yet on how long Webb will be sidelined. The 31-year-old righty has been a key part of Texas’ relief mix this season with a strong 3.75 ERA and 39/14 K/BB ratio across 48 innings in 42 appearances.

Martin will attempt to play catch prior to Wednesday’s showdown against the Rockies and remains on the club’s lineup card. He’s obviously unavailable to pitch for at least a couple days, but it sounds like there’s a realistic chance he avoids a trip to the injured list. With Luke Jackson (hand) also hurt, it’ll likely be some combination of Robert Garcia, Jacob Webb or Shawn Armstrong getting the call in a save situation for the next few days.

Martin faced exactly one batter in the ninth inning of a save opportunity before leaving the contest with a trainer. His departure comes roughly 24 hours after Rangers closer Luke Jackson was hit by a line drive on the right hand, which left him unavailable for this contest. Fortunately, veteran Shawn Armstrong was able to finish off the frame and pick up the save. There should be an update on his status shortly. It’s probably going to be Armstrong, Robert Garcia or Jacob Webb handling the next save situation for Texas.

Robert Garcia and Chris Martin are the primary alternatives to Jackson, but they had already pitched tonight. That left Webb to get the final three outs, which he did successfully. It’s his seventh career save since he debuted with the Braves in 2019. It’s unlikely that he’ll pick up additional saves any time soon.

The positive news is that X-rays came back negative for any fractures after Jackson was hit on the right arm by a 111-mph line drive while trying to protect a one-run lead. Jacob Webb came on to convert the save opportunity. Rangers manager Bruce Bochy told reporters afterwards that it could wind up being an injured list situation, but Jackson will be re-evaluated on Tuesday before that decision is made. His absence would likely result in some combination of Chris Martin and Robert Garcia handling the closing duties.

The deal is official. Texas continues to shore up their bullpen corps by adding Webb on a short-term pact. The 31-year-old right-hander is coming off arguably the best season of his career when he finished the 2024 campaign with a solid 3.02 ERA, 1.18 WHIP and 58/27 K/BB ratio across 56 2/3 innings (60 appearances). He’ll likely operate in middle relief, but could end up getting some high-leverage opportunities.

Even though he had a 3.02 ERA in 56 2/3 innings last season and would have made less than $2 million in 2025, Webb was non-tendered by Baltimore last month. While this is just a one-year deal, the Rangers would have Webb’s arbitration rights for 2026.