Cody Bradford Nears Return as Rangers Eye Deep Rotation for 2026

The Texas Rangers are getting encouraging signs from left-hander Cody Bradford as he works his way back from internal brace surgery, and for a team with big plans in 2026, his progress could be a major piece of the puzzle.

Bradford, who missed significant time last season due to elbow issues, is now throwing off a mound again. He’s scheduled for his seventh bullpen session today in Surprise, Arizona. The first six were all fastballs, but today marks a key step forward: he’s mixing in 8 to 10 changeups – a sign he’s beginning to ramp up the variety in his arsenal.

The lefty is still targeting a May return, and while that timeline remains a bit open to interpretation – whether it means returning to the big-league roster or simply beginning a rehab assignment – the key takeaway is that there have been no setbacks. In the world of post-surgery pitching recoveries, that’s a win.

Bradford’s 2024 season, though shortened, gave the Rangers plenty of reason for optimism. He posted a 3.54 ERA across 13 starts and one relief appearance, with an xERA of 3.44 – numbers that suggest his performance wasn’t a fluke. He gave Texas 76 quality innings, showing poise and growth after a rookie campaign in 2023 that had its fair share of ups and downs.

The hope heading into 2025 was that Bradford would lock down a spot in the starting rotation. Instead, elbow trouble derailed that plan, and he spent the year rehabbing. Now, as 2026 spring training gets underway, the idea of him rejoining the staff – and doing so at full strength – is back on the table.

And make no mistake: if Bradford returns to form, the Rangers’ rotation could be one of the deeper groups in the American League.

The top four are already in place. Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore, and Jack Leiter bring a mix of veteran dominance, power stuff, and upside.

The fifth spot is still up for grabs, with Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz leading the competition heading into camp. Jose Corniell is another name to watch later in the year, and the Rangers have invited a trio of veterans – Cal Quantrill, Pat Murphy, and Austin Gomber – to compete for a role as well.

Bradford’s return could shift the entire equation. If he slots into the fifth spot and pitches like he did in 2024, that gives Texas a full rotation of capable, proven arms. It also opens the door for more flexibility elsewhere: Latz could slide into a swingman role out of the bullpen, Rocker could continue developing in Triple-A, and the team could stash depth with whichever veterans don’t make the Opening Day roster.

It also gives the Rangers time to let their younger arms – like Corniell, David Davalillo, and Winston Santos – get regular innings in the minors without being rushed to fill a big-league need.

It’s still early, and Bradford has more boxes to check before he’s ready to face live hitters in a game setting. But so far, so good. The Rangers have built a rotation with upside, experience, and now, potentially, even more depth – and Cody Bradford could be the quiet key to making it all click.