Bullpen Shopping on the Waiver Wire: Rangers Claim Jose Butto as Junis Walks and the Center Field Search Begins

By Hank Dalton, RF Sports Radio MLB voice

Rangers fans, the first week of the offseason is usually quiet. Not this year. Texas made a waiver claim, lost a key setup man, and now has to shop for a center fielder in a thin market.

The facts

The Rangers claimed right-hander Jose Butto off waivers from San Francisco and added him to the 40-man roster on Monday, per Inside the Rangers on SI. To make room, outfielder Michael Helman was designated for assignment, cleared waivers and was sent to Triple-A Round Rock. Butto threw just two innings in 2026 before a blood clot in his arm required surgery, but he is expected to be ready for 2027. In 2024 he had a 2.55 ERA in 30 games, and in 2025 a 3.90 ERA in 55 games, per SI.

The claim matters because last year's top right-handed setup man, Jakob Junis, turned down his mutual option over the weekend, per SI. All-Star Jacob Latz is the presumed closer after taking over the role this past season. SI also noted Texas added pitcher Aidan Curry to the 40-man roster to protect him from a Rule 5 draft that may not happen if there is a work stoppage after Dec. 1.

Then there is center field. With Evan Carter out for the start of 2027 after hip surgery, CBS Sports reports Texas will prioritize center field help. "It doesn't change our belief in Evan long term, but it does change our short-term plans that we need to have a backfill," Chris Young said, via MLB.com and CBS Sports. Wyatt Langford could move to center, but CBS notes he is best in left. The top free agent center fielders by FanGraphs projected 2027 WAR are Trent Grisham, Luis Robert Jr., Daulton Varsho, Cedric Mullins and Tyrone Taylor, per CBS Sports.

On the staff, MLB Trade Rumors reports Texas does not plan to replace assistant pitching coach Dave Bush, and Nick Hundley will be the "top voice" in player development.

RF Sports Radio's take (opinion)

My take: I like the Butto claim. It costs nothing but a roster spot, and a healthy Butto with that 2024 track record is a real middle-inning arm. This is how smart teams build bullpens, cheap and often, instead of paying big money for relievers who flame out.

Center field is the bigger problem, and I do not love the market. Grisham and Varsho can defend, but neither fixes an offense that ranked 25th in runs. If Texas spends real money, I would rather it go to a bat, then find a glove-first stopgap in center for the first couple of months until Carter is back.

And keep an eye on that Dec. 1 date. If baseball heads into a labor fight, every move gets harder, so the Rangers should get their bullpen and center field business done early.

What to watch next

Watch for the GM Meetings, more waiver claims and any trade talk around Corey Seager and Jacob deGrom. For the Carter surgery news, read our Nov. 3 story on Evan Carter's hip surgery, and follow the winter on our MLB Playoffs page.

Radio question: who should play center field for the Rangers on Opening Day 2027, Langford, a free agent like Grisham, or a cheap glove-first stopgap?

Sources: Inside the Rangers (SI) - Rangers claim Jose Butto to bolster bullpen, outright Michael Helman; CBS Sports - MLB rumors: major injury forces Rangers to pivot; MLB Trade Rumors - Rangers make coaching, front office changes; MLB.com - Rangers outfielder Evan Carter undergoes hip surgery.