Rangers Sign Submarine Pitcher Josh Hejka to Minor League Deal

Jeff Passan reported earlier today that the Texas Rangers and right-hander Josh Hejka have agreed to a minor league contract. The 28-year-old submarine specialist originally entered professional ball when the Mets signed him as an undrafted free agent back on June 27, 2019.

The 2025 Campaign

Hejka spent the 2025 season within the Philadelphia Phillies' organization, where he split time between High-A Jersey Shore and Double-A Reading. Across a total of 28.2 innings in 27 appearances, he posted a 6.28 ERA with a 1.605 WHIP. His results varied significantly by level during the year:

Double-A (Reading): In 7.2 innings of work, he maintained a 3.52 ERA with 5 strikeouts and only 1 walk.

High-A (Jersey Shore): Over 21.0 innings, he struggled to a 7.29 ERA, while recording 20 strikeouts and issuing nine walks.

Minor League Career at a Glance

Hejka’s professional journey began when he was signed by the New York Mets on June 27, 2019, as an undrafted free agent out of Johns Hopkins University.

He remained in the Mets' system until February 5, 2025, when the club traded him to the Philadelphia Phillies. He missed the entire 2023 season due to Tommy John surgery. Some of his minor league career statistics

Games Played: 153 Record: 11-8 ERA: 4.06 Innings Pitched: 221.2 Strikeouts: 199 Walks: 68 WHIP: 1.38 Hejka has faced a total of 986 batters during his professional career, maintaining a career WHIP of 1.376.

His signing follows a viral moment on social media where he jokingly tagged MLB reporter Jeff Passan, only for Passan to officially break the news of his contract with Texas exactly one year later.

By bringing in Hejka, the Rangers add a submarine arm that can provide a different look for opposing hitters throughout the minor league levels.