Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Nathan Eovaldi

From career breakthroughs to professional milestones, explore how Nathan Eovaldi made an impact.

Nathan Eovaldi is an American professional baseball pitcher currently playing for the Texas Rangers in MLB. Throughout his MLB career, he has also pitched for the Los Angeles Dodgers, Miami Marlins, New York Yankees, Tampa Bay Rays, and Boston Red Sox. He is a right-handed pitcher known for his velocity and has experienced success as both a starter and reliever. Eovaldi's career has been marked by periods of both high performance and injury challenges.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2008: Drafted by the Los Angeles Dodgers

In 2008, Eovaldi was selected by the Los Angeles Dodgers in the 11th round of the MLB Draft, marking a pivotal step in his professional baseball journey. He then signed with the Dodgers, receiving a $250,000 signing bonus.

2009: Played for Great Lakes Loons

In 2009, Eovaldi pitched for the Great Lakes Loons of the Single–A Midwest League, continuing his development in the Dodgers' farm system.

August 6, 2011: MLB Debut with the Dodgers

On August 6, 2011, Eovaldi made his MLB debut as the starting pitcher for the Los Angeles Dodgers against the Arizona Diamondbacks. He earned the win, pitching five innings and allowing only two runs, while striking out seven. He also had a single in his first major league at bat and scored a run.

2011: MLB Debut

In 2011, Eovaldi made his MLB debut, marking a significant milestone in his career.

July 25, 2012: Traded to Miami Marlins

On July 25, 2012, Eovaldi, along with minor league pitcher Scott McGough, was traded to the Miami Marlins in exchange for Hanley Ramírez and Randy Choate, marking a change in his baseball career.

2012: Season with the Dodgers

In 2012, Eovaldi made 10 starts with the Dodgers, achieving a 1–6 record with a 4.15 ERA.

2013: Season with the Miami Marlins

In 2013, Eovaldi played for the Miami Marlins, achieving a 4–6 record with a 3.39 ERA and 78 strikeouts in 18 starts.

December 19, 2014: Traded to New York Yankees

On December 19, 2014, the Marlins traded Eovaldi, Garrett Jones, and Domingo Germán to the New York Yankees for Martín Prado and David Phelps, marking another significant shift in his baseball journey.

2014: Season with the Marlins

In 2014, Eovaldi played for the Miami Marlins, recording a 6–14 record with a 4.37 ERA, allowing 223 hits, the most in the National League. He started 33 games and pitched 199+2⁄3 innings.

April 10, 2015: First Start for the Yankees

On April 10, 2015, Eovaldi made his first start for the New York Yankees against the Boston Red Sox, pitching 5+1⁄3 innings and allowing two runs on eight hits, resulting in a no decision after a 19-inning game. From June 20 through August 24, Eovaldi pitched to an 8–0 record with a 2.93 ERA.

February 14, 2017: Signed with Tampa Bay Rays

On February 14, 2017, Eovaldi signed a one-year, $2 million contract with the Tampa Bay Rays, including a $2 million club option for the 2018 season, marking a new chapter in his baseball career.

July 25, 2018: Traded to Boston Red Sox

On July 25, 2018, the Tampa Bay Rays traded Eovaldi to the Boston Red Sox in exchange for Jalen Beeks, leading to another transition in his professional baseball career.

December 6, 2018: Re-Signed with the Red Sox

On December 6, 2018, Eovaldi signed a four-year, $68 million contract to return to the Boston Red Sox, securing his place with the team for the foreseeable future.

2018: World Series Champion with the Red Sox

In 2018, Eovaldi became a World Series champion with the Boston Red Sox, achieving a major career triumph.

2018: Postseason Performance

In the 2018 playoffs, Eovaldi pitched seven innings in Game 3 of the Division Series against the New York Yankees, which the Red Sox won 16–1. He also pitched in Game 3 and Game 5 of the League Championship Series against the Houston Astros.

2018: Rays Exercised Option

The Tampa Bay Rays exercised their option on Eovaldi's contract going into the 2018 season.

2019: Season with the Red Sox

In 2019, Eovaldi's season included a stint on the injured list due to a "loose body" in his elbow, subsequent surgery, and a transition to a closer role before returning to being a starter. He made 23 appearances (12 starts), recording a 5.99 ERA and 2–1 record.

2020: Opening Day Starter

For the 2020 season, which was delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic, Eovaldi was named Boston's Opening Day starter. He secured the win in that game against the Baltimore Orioles. He was later placed on the injured list due to a right calf strain but returned to the active roster later in the season. Overall he had a 4-2 record with a 3.72 ERA

2021: Second Opening Day Start and All-Star Selection

In 2021, Eovaldi was Boston's Opening Day starter for the second year in a row and was named to the American League roster for the MLB All-Star Game. He finished the season with an 11–9 record, a 3.75 ERA and 195 strikeouts.

November 2022: Elected Free Agency

In early November 2022, Eovaldi elected to become a free agent.

December 27, 2022: Signed with the Texas Rangers

On December 27, 2022, Nathan Eovaldi signed a two-year contract with the Texas Rangers, including a vesting player option for a third year, worth $34 million guaranteed.

2022: Third Opening Day Start and Injury

In 2022, Eovaldi was Boston's Opening Day starter for the third year in a row. On May 17, he allowed five home runs in one inning. He was placed on the injured list on June 12 with lower-back inflammation, was reactivated, and then returned to the injured list on August 23, due to right shoulder inflammation. He rejoined the team on September 29. He compiled a 6–3 record with a 3.87 ERA.

2023: World Series Champion with the Rangers

In 2023, Eovaldi became a World Series champion with the Texas Rangers.

2023: Won Game 5 and World Series

In 2023, Eovaldi started Games 1 and 5 of the World Series. He won the decisive Game 5, helping the Rangers secure their first World Series title in franchise history. He also won 5 of his 6 starts during the postseason, tying an MLB record.