Cody Bradford's Journey to Reinforce the Rangers' Pitching Core
The Texas Rangers, a powerhouse in Major League Baseball, are gearing up for the upcoming season with a keen eye on their pitching staff. Among the players set to contribute to this crucial aspect of their lineup is left-handed pitcher Cody Bradford, who is determined to make a significant impact after a challenging year. With a focus on rehabilitation and a renewed sense of purpose, Bradford is poised to become a pivotal part of the team's success.
Bradford, a 27-year-old native of Aledo and a proud Baylor alum, missed the entire 2025 season due to an internal brace procedure in June. This setback, however, has not deterred his determination. He is now gearing up for his first bullpen session on Wednesday, marking a significant step in his recovery process. The goal is clear: to make a successful return to the minor leagues and, ultimately, the big leagues.
The Rangers' philosophy on starting pitching is well-known, as emphasized by Chris Young, the team's president of baseball operations. Young's mantra, 'You can never have too much starting pitching,' reflects the team's strategy of maintaining a robust pitching core. Bradford, aligning with this mindset, aims to showcase his resilience and skill, hoping to secure a spot in the starting rotation.
Bradford's journey to this point has been marked by both triumphs and setbacks. In the 2023 season, he split time between the bullpen and rotation, posting a 3.03 ERA in 13 starts. However, a lower back strain and an elbow sprain that required surgery cut short his progress. The time off has allowed him to focus on strength training and understanding his body's mechanics, with a particular emphasis on improving his lower body transition and adding velocity to his fastball.
Despite the common belief that elbow surgery can lead to increased velocity, Bradford offers a nuanced perspective. He attributes the spike in velocity to the combination of time off and dedicated gym sessions, rather than the surgery itself. This approach, he believes, has contributed to his overall physical well-being and performance.
As the Rangers continue to strengthen their rotation, Bradford's role becomes increasingly significant. With three certified locks in right-handers Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter, the team is actively seeking to fill the remaining two spots. Bradford, along with right-hander Kumar Rocker and left-hander Jacob Latz, are in the running for these positions. Latz, a fellow southpaw with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts last season, is considered a strong contender for a starting role.
Bradford's track record, combined with his dedication to rehabilitation and physical conditioning, positions him as a key player in the team's pitching solution. The challenge now is to translate his efforts into on-field success, proving that he can be a reliable and dominant starter in the big leagues. The Rangers are counting on him to deliver, and he is ready to take on this crucial role.
As the season approaches, all eyes are on Cody Bradford, eager to witness his impact on the Rangers' pitching staff and their overall success.
