Rangers sign LHP Beeks to 1-year deal, DFA Alexis Díaz

SURPRISE, Ariz. -- The Rangers made a late push on Friday to beef up the bullpen ahead of Opening Day, signing left-hander Jalen Beeks to a one-year deal.

Beeks posted a 3.77 ERA and a 1.081 WHIP in 61 appearances (two starts) for the Diamondbacks last season. He was effective against both left-handed (.611 opponent OPS) and right-handed batters (.624 opponent OPS).

“Getting someone like Beeks this late in camp is obviously a huge plus for us,” said manager Skip Schumaker. “Him being still available was obviously a huge benefit for our bullpen construction. It provides another left-handed reliever just to give you options in different pockets, someone who had success last year with righties and lefties. He’s just another veteran reliever who has had some really good options and decided to choose us. We're very grateful for it.”

Beeks was selected by Boston in the 12th round of the 2014 MLB Draft from the University of Arkansas and debuted with the Red Sox in June 2018. He was traded to the Rays in July of that year for current Rangers ace Nathan Eovaldi, whom he met for the first time in the clubhouse on Friday.

Despite coming off a good 2025 season, Beeks was left throwing live batting practice to high school kids in Fayetteville, Ark., well into March. He threw a bullpen in front of Rangers officials last week, leading to his signing.

“We were ready to sign and ready to get going, but we were just waiting for the right deal,” Beeks said. “We're very blessed and happy that this worked out with the Rangers. We're really excited. … We had Minor League deals for a while. I thought I deserved the [MLB] deal, but I got it. The GMs, they're trying to put together the best rosters.

“I signed a Minor League deal last year, and it worked out great, so I wasn't worried. I wasn’t frustrated. I get that this is how this goes. I've been lucky enough to be around long enough to understand that this is how it goes. Just happy to be here.”

To make room for Beeks on the 40-man roster, right-handed pitcher Alexis Díaz was designated for assignment.

Diaz -- whom Texas signed on Dec. 16 -- had allowed eight earned runs over 1 2/3 innings in three Cactus League relief appearances for the Rangers this spring, last appearing on Sunday against the Angels (0.0 IP, 5 ER, 3 BB).

The Rangers’ bullpen continues to be a work in progress behind veteran arms like Chris Martin, Jakob Junis and Tyler Alexander, as well as closer option Robert Garcia. Texas would also like to keep Rule 5 pick Carter Baumler in the bullpen, but that limits flexibility down the line, as he can’t be optioned without being offered back to the Orioles for $50,000.

“I think I have an idea of what the bullpen is starting to look like,” Schumaker said. “There's still a couple spots open for sure. But I think I still have the same questions I had in the offseason, as I do right now, of who the last couple spots are gonna be given to.”