Cody Bradford's Comeback: Aiming for a Stronger Return to the Rangers' Pitching Roster
Texas Rangers' left-handed pitcher, Cody Bradford, is gearing up for a significant comeback in his fourth season with the team. In a recent statement, he echoed the Rangers' philosophy on starting pitching, saying, "You can never have enough starting pitchers." This sentiment is especially relevant after the team's 2025 season, where injuries reduced their starting rotation.
Bradford himself was a casualty of the injury bug, missing the entire season due to an internal brace procedure in June. But now, he's determined to be part of the solution. The 27-year-old, who hails from Aledo and is a Baylor alum, is eager to prove his worth.
"I want to show everyone that I can be the player I've always been, or even better," Bradford asserted. His recovery process has been smooth, and he's scheduled to throw his first bullpen on Wednesday. The goal is to make a minor league rehab start soon after spring training and be ready for a May return, aligning with the typical timeline for internal brace procedures.
But here's where it gets personal: Bradford has yet to complete a full season in the big leagues. He's determined to change that, saying, "I want to prove I can be a major league starter." This ambition is backed by his performance in 2023, where he split time between the bullpen and rotation, posting an impressive 3.03 ERA in 13 starts. However, injuries have been a recurring theme.
During his time off, Bradford focused on strengthening his body and understanding its mechanics. He's made adjustments to his throwing motion, aiming to reduce stress on his arm, improve spin pitches, and potentially increase his fastball velocity. While he's cautious about attributing this directly to his elbow surgery, he believes the time off and gym work could be significant factors in any velocity gains.
The Rangers are keen to bolster their rotation depth, with less than a month before pitchers and catchers report. Bradford is in contention for one of the final two rotation spots, alongside right-hander Kumar Rocker and left-hander Jacob Latz, who impressed last season. Bradford's belief in his teammates and his own abilities is evident.
As the Rangers navigate the free agency and trade market, the question remains: Will Bradford secure his spot and finally achieve a full season in the big leagues? Only time will tell, but his determination and the team's faith in him are undeniable. And this is the part most people miss—the human story behind the statistics and strategies. Bradford's journey is a testament to the resilience and ambition that drive athletes to overcome adversity.
Stay tuned as the Rangers' pitching roster takes shape, and join the conversation: Do you think Cody Bradford will make a successful comeback and secure his spot in the rotation? What impact do you think his adjustments will have on his performance? Share your thoughts and predictions in the comments below!
