Michael Lorenzen, a right-handed pitcher, has inked a one-year contract with the Texas Rangers valued at $4.5 million guaranteed, which could potentially reach $7 million with performance-based incentives, according to a source confirmed by ESPN’s Kiley McDaniel.
During the 2023 baseball season, Lorenzen experienced both successes and setbacks while playing for the Detroit Tigers and Philadelphia Phillies. Despite earning a spot on the American League All-Star team and achieving a no-hitter, he faced challenges that led to a transition from the starting rotation to the bullpen due to inconsistent performance.
After beginning the season with a 5-7 record and a 3.58 ERA while making the All-Star Game with the Tigers, Lorenzen was traded to the Phillies at the trade deadline to provide stability to their pitching staff.
Lorenzen’s debut with the Phillies was remarkable, as he pitched eight innings allowing only two runs. He further impressed during his first home game in Philadelphia on August 9, throwing a career-high 124 pitches to secure a no-hitter against the Washington Nationals, contributing to the Phillies’ 7-0 victory.
However, Lorenzen’s performance declined afterward, posting a 2-2 record with a 7.96 ERA in his subsequent five starts, resulting in his removal from the starting rotation. He made four relief appearances to close out the regular season and was excluded from the Phillies’ postseason roster for the National League Wild Card Series.
Although he made brief bullpen appearances during the NLDS against the Atlanta Braves and the NLCS against the Arizona Diamondbacks, Lorenzen’s overall regular season statistics included a combined 9-9 record with a 4.18 ERA and 111 strikeouts across both teams. Throughout his nine-year career, which comprises 379 appearances with 69 starts, he has accumulated a record of 40-38 with a 4.11 ERA and 602 strikeouts.
While predominantly a reliever for the Cincinnati Reds, Lorenzen had stints as an exclusive starter for the Tigers and Los Angeles Angels before joining the Phillies. Additionally, he is recognized as one of baseball’s top-hitting pitchers, boasting seven career home runs, 24 RBIs, and a .233 batting average in 133 at-bats.
News of Lorenzen’s agreement with the Rangers was initially reported by The Athletic.