As the 2025 Texas Rangers season wraps up, it's time to delve into the performances that shaped their year, starting with starting pitcher Patrick Corbin.
When the Rangers found themselves in need of a reliable arm during spring training, they turned to Corbin. The decision might have raised some eyebrows, but the rationale was clear: they needed a pitcher who could consistently take the mound every fifth day without imploding. And for $1 million plus incentives, Corbin fit the bill.
Corbin's recent history with Washington wasn't exactly stellar, but there were glimmers of improvement. In 2023-24, he posted a 5.41 ERA and a 77 ERA+, a step up from his previous seasons. The Rangers banked on his durability-Corbin was one of only three pitchers to start at least 200 games from 2018 to 2024-and hoped their solid defense and Corbin's new cutter would foster further improvement.
In 2025, Corbin delivered on the Rangers' expectations. He made 30 starts and even a relief appearance, logging 155.1 innings. While he generally avoided disastrous outings, August was a rough patch, with a stretch of four starts allowing 17 runs.
Statistically, Corbin’s strikeout rate hit 19.8%, his highest since 2020, while his walk rate remained steady. His home run rate dropped to its lowest since 2019, aided by the pitcher-friendly confines of the Shed. At home, he allowed just six homers in 75 innings, compared to 15 in 80 innings on the road, resulting in a 3.36 ERA at home versus a 5.38 ERA on the road.
Was Corbin "good" in 2025? That’s up for debate.
His 4.40 ERA and 4.75 xERA were his best since 2019, and his 4.25 FIP was only slightly higher than his 2020 mark. His ERA+ of 83 and ERA- of 109 were also improvements.
A key factor in Corbin's performance was his ability to limit hard contact. Historically prone to giving up loud hits, he managed to reduce his hard-hit rate to 40.4% in 2025, a significant improvement from the 46.7% in 2024. This helped lower his slugging percentage allowed to .430, thanks to the combination of reduced hard contact, the Shed’s environment, and the Rangers’ defense.
Despite these improvements, Corbin’s value remains contested. His fWAR of 1.9 in 2025 suggests a positive contribution, yet B-R's assessment places him below replacement level.
With 233 starts since 2018, Corbin ranks among the most durable pitchers of his era, trailing only a few like Jose Berrios. However, as of now, he's unsigned for the 2026 season.
With Opening Day approaching, his future in the majors is uncertain. Yet, as history shows, a last-minute call could still come for a team in need of a dependable starter.