The Texas Rangers have signed veteran pitcher Adrian Houser to a minor league contract, according to multiple reports. Houser, 31, brings experience to the table, having made 104 starts and 48 relief appearances in his MLB career, primarily with the Milwaukee Brewers.

Originally drafted by the Houston Astros in the second round of the 2011 draft, Houser became part of a notable trade in 2015. The Astros sent him, along with Josh Hader, Brett Phillips, and Domingo Santana, to the Brewers in exchange for Mike Fiers and Carlos Gomez. While Hader emerged as one of baseball’s premier relievers, the trade ultimately didn’t favor Houston, as Gomez struggled and Fiers contributed minimally before becoming known for exposing the Astros’ sign-stealing scandal.

Houser’s career highlights include a strong 2019 season as a swingman and a respectable 2021 campaign as a starter. However, his overall performance has been inconsistent. Last offseason, the Brewers traded Houser and Tyrone Taylor to the New York Mets for Coleman Crow, a right-hander recovering from Tommy John surgery.

Houser began the 2024 season with the Mets, making six starts before transitioning to the bullpen, ultimately finishing with a 5.84 ERA and 4.93 FIP. After being released in July, he had brief stints in the minor league systems of the Cubs and Orioles before entering free agency.

Known for his ground-ball tendencies, Houser’s success hinges on limiting walks. While he’s unlikely to be a strikeout threat, his skill set fits the role of a depth piece in the Rangers’ organization. He can provide stability in the Triple-A rotation while serving as an option for major league call-ups if needed.

Though some critics may argue the Rangers should prioritize high-profile signings over minor league deals, acquisitions like Houser’s are standard for building depth and maintaining roster flexibility. His signing underscores the team’s strategy of balancing experienced veterans with prospects in their pitching arsenal.