Cody Bradford's Journey to Reinforce the Rangers' Pitching Core
The Texas Rangers' left-handed pitcher, Cody Bradford, is gearing up for his fourth season with the team and seventh overall with the organization. With a history of resilience and a commitment to continuous improvement, Bradford is poised to make a significant impact on the team's pitching solution.
In a recent interview, Bradford emphasized the importance of starting pitching, aligning with the Rangers' philosophy. He shared, 'You can never have too much starting pitching. Last year, we had eight or nine starting pitchers, and by the end of the season, we were left with five.'
Bradford's own injury history has been a significant factor in the team's pitching dynamics. However, he is determined to turn his setbacks into comebacks. After missing the entire 2025 season due to an internal brace procedure in June, Bradford is set to resume his pitching journey.
On Wednesday, he will participate in his first bullpen session, marking a crucial step in his rehabilitation process. Bradford aims to make his first minor league rehab start soon after spring training concludes, with a potential return to the big leagues in May. This timeline aligns with the typical recovery period for pitchers undergoing internal brace procedures, which is approximately 10 months post-surgery.
Bradford's goal is to prove his ability to pitch at a high level consistently. He has yet to experience a full season in the big leagues, and he is eager to demonstrate his potential as a major league starter. This determination is further fueled by his dedication to physical conditioning and understanding his body's mechanics.
During his time off, Bradford focused on building muscle strength and gaining insights into his body's capabilities. He has made adjustments to his throwing mechanics, aiming to reduce stress on his throws, improve spin pitch manipulation, and enhance his fastball velocity, which currently sits around 90 mph. Bradford acknowledges that suggesting a direct correlation between elbow surgery and increased velocity is a 'cloudy statement' but believes that his off-season training and recovery time may have contributed more to the velocity spike than the surgery itself.
The Rangers are optimistic about Bradford's prospects, especially with the team's active pursuit of pitching depth. With less than a month before pitchers and catchers report, the Rangers are in the market for free agents and trade acquisitions. They have already secured three certified right-handers: Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jack Leiter. The final two rotation spots are expected to be filled by a combination of Bradford, right-hander Kumar Rocker, and left-hander Jacob Latz.
Latz, a fellow southpaw with a 2.72 ERA in eight starts last season, is considered capable of being a big league starter. Bradford shares a similar track record, and the next step is to solidify his position as a reliable starter.
As the Rangers continue to strengthen their pitching core, Cody Bradford's journey is a testament to the team's commitment to excellence and the resilience of its players. With his determination and the support of the organization, Bradford is poised to make a significant impact on the team's success.
