According to reports, experienced pitcher Michael Lorenzen has apparently signed a one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, the reigning World Series champions. The agreement, valued at $4.5 million, with the potential for an additional $2.5 million in bonuses, was disclosed by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic.
Lorenzen commenced the 2023 season with the Detroit Tigers, achieving his first-ever All-Star selection, but was later traded to the Philadelphia Phillies. His performance faltered with the Phillies, resulting in his removal from the starting rotation towards the end of the season, which consequently delayed his signing as a free agent.
Free-agent right-hander Michael Lorenzen in agreement with Rangers on one-year, $4.5M contract, pending physical, source tells @TheAthletic. Deal includes $2.5M in incentives, maxes out at $7M.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) March 21, 2024
Last season, while with the Tigers, Lorenzen recorded a 5-7 record, a 3.58 ERA, and 83 strikeouts across 18 starts before being traded to the Philadelphia Phillies in August in exchange for infield prospect Hao-Yu Lee. He had a stellar debut for the Phillies, pitching a no-hitter in a 7–0 victory over the Washington Nationals, making him just the 14th player in franchise history to achieve this milestone.
Despite his impressive debut, Lorenzen encountered difficulties on the mound afterward. He struggled with a 7.96 ERA in his subsequent five starts and was relegated to the bullpen. In fact, he was omitted from the National League Wild Card roster, only to return for the NLDS and NLCS series.
Michael Lorenzen entered the MLB scene in 2015 and spent the first seven years of his career with the Cincinnati Reds. Following his stint with the Los Angeles Angels in 2022, he signed a one-year contract with the Tigers for the 2023 season. Throughout his MLB career, Lorenzen has amassed a 40-38 record with a 4.11 ERA and 602 strikeouts.
