Imagine a young pitcher, full of promise, sidelined by injury just as he’s starting to find his stride. That’s the story of Texas Rangers’ left-hander Cody Bradford, who’s been on a rollercoaster journey since his debut in 2023. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after undergoing elbow surgery last June, Bradford is eyeing a return to the mound in May, and his comeback could be a game-changer for the Rangers’ rotation.
Bradford, a local standout from Baylor, initially struggled as a rookie but began to shine in his second year. Despite missing the first half of the 2024 season with a back injury, he returned with a bang, posting a solid 3.54 ERA and a 23% strikeout rate across 14 starts. What’s most impressive? His elite command, paired with a surprising ability to keep hitters off balance using a fastball in the 89-90 MPH range and an 81 MPH changeup. And this is the part most people miss: his performance hinted at a breakout, making his injury-induced absence all the more frustrating for fans and the team alike.
The road to recovery hasn’t been without setbacks. Initially, there was hope Bradford would be ready for Spring Training, but the Rangers are now targeting May for his return. This week, he’s scheduled to throw his first bullpen session, a significant milestone in his rehab. If all goes well, a minor league assignment will follow shortly after the regular season begins, setting the stage for his MLB comeback.
Here’s where it gets controversial: Bradford’s absence leaves a glaring hole in the Rangers’ rotation. While the team boasts a formidable top three with Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter, the depth drops off sharply after that. Jacob Latz showed promise in a swing role last year, but he’s unproven as a full-time starter, and Kumar Rocker’s mechanical struggles raise questions about his readiness. With no other experienced starters on the 40-man roster, the pressure is on for the Rangers to make a move.
President of baseball operations Chris Young has made it clear: deepening the pitching staff is a priority. But will they strike now or wait for a bargain during Spring Training? Here’s a thought-provoking question for you: Is it wiser to invest in a proven starter now or gamble on internal options and risk a slow start to the season? Let us know your take in the comments.
Bradford’s return in May could be the boost the Rangers need, but until then, the rotation remains a work in progress. His journey from injury to recovery is a testament to resilience, and his potential impact on the team is undeniable. Will he live up to the hype? Only time will tell, but one thing’s for sure—his comeback story is one to watch.
