Rangers release former Rays pitcher with plenty of success out of the bullpen

JT Chargois was drafted by the Minnesota Twins in the second round of the 2012 MLB draft out of Rice University. The Rice Owls have also seen former World Series champions Lance Berkman and Anthony Rendon make their way through their program. In 2016, Chargois finally got his shot with Minnesota but it would be a bumpy ride for the Louisiana native.

After 23 major league innings to close out 2016, the right-handed reliever suffered a season-ending injury the next season. A right elbow impingement left him out of the season's box scores and likely led to him be DFA'd by the AL Central organization.

The Los Angeles Dodgers signed Chargois after noticing his consistent 4.70 ERA that could potentially be built upon. His production improved slightly in LA, especially in the strikeout department. He went from a 6.7 strikeouts per nine innings in 2016 to an 11.1 strikeouts per nine in 2018. It was a very impressive development after missing an entire season due to injury.

His rollercoaster of a career continued with an absence from the league in the shortened 2020 campaign. Nonetheless, Chargois was able to toss 35.1 innings in the Japanese league, maintaining his respectable ERA around 4.00.

The Rice product didn't break out until his 2021 season where he saw time in Seattle and Tampa Bay. The righty was dealt to the Rays at the trade deadline for elite Dominican reliever Diego Castillo. Chargois posted All-Star-esque numbers in his two seasons with the Rays. He tossed a total of 46 frames across a season and a half of play, producing a splendid 7-1 record and a 2.15 ERA.

His skill was beginning to resonate with Rays fans as they hoped he could become a staple of their relief pitching for the next few years. However, the 34 year old hurler suffered another major injury and was subsequently sent to the Marlins along with thriving infield prospect Xavier Edwards.

Despite a successful 2024 season where Chargois posted a 2.23 ERA, he was DFA'd and forced to sign a minor league deal to remain in the league. The Texas Rangers orchestrated the contract and the former Rays reliever reported to Triple-A Round Rock after spring training.

This is where his career took a nosedive. In 4.2 innings for the Rangers minor league club, Chargois gave up an absurd 14 runs on 11 hits, including five home runs. The Rangers released Chargois only days after his disastrous outing on Saturday. Despite this total meltdown, we still believe that JT Chargois can pitch in the major leagues and would be a solid depth option if he returned to Tampa Bay.