Entering this off-season, it was clear the Texas Rangers main focus was targeted towards starting pitching. Cole Hamels and Martin Perez were the only starters held over from the 2017 season. It was obvious the Rangers were desperate to fill the three remaining spots. Without hesitation, Jon Daniels quickly pulled off three acquisitions.
He signed Mike Minor to a three year $28 million dollar contract. Doug Fister received a short one year $4 million dollar deal. Later, the Rangers traded minor league pitching prospects Sam Wolff and Israel Cruz in exchange for veteran starting pitcher Matt Moore.