Did The Texas Rangers Do Enough This Offseason To Remain Contenders?
After swinging big the previous two offseasons, all was quiet in Arlington for the Texas Rangers.
At least quiet compared to adding names like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Jon Gray, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi.
Coming off their first World Series run, the Rangers look to wrestle control of the American League West away from the Houston Astros and become the face of the American League.
The Rangers have the talent. Even with three starting pitchers sidelined with injuries until the summer, they remain in great shape to set the tone early.
MLB.com recently recapped all 30 MLB teams offseasons heading into spring training. Texas primarily focused on pitching this winter.
The Rangers added a trio of pitchers — one starter and two relievers and opted to replace the DH hole left by Mitch Garver internally. Relievers David Robertson and Kirby Yates are likely to pitch high-leverage innings alongside José Leclerc and Josh Sborz. Starter Tyler Mahle, who won’t return from Tommy John recovery until at least July, could be an under-the-radar move that proves integral to the starting depth down the stretch.
Garver's departure to Seattle could be replaced internally with the promotion of former prospect Wyatt Langford. Last season's first-round pick dominated the minors and found himself on the Triple-A roster by the season's end.
The former Florida slugger slashed .360/.480/.677 in 160 plate appearances and hit 10 home runs while swiping 12 bags. With a strong showcase in spring ball, Langford could crack the opening-day lineup over fellow former first-rounder Justin Foscue.
Houston, which leapfrogged Texas on the last day of the regular season to take the division, shocked baseball when it agreed to terms on a five-year deal with former Padres' closer Josh Hader. Initially linked to Texas, he now joins the enemy to create a trifecta out of the bullpen to close games alongside Bryan Abreu and Ryan Pressley.
The question on most fan's minds is the starting rotation. With Max Scherzer, deGrom, and Mahle out until the summer, what does the rotation look like? For now, left-hander Jordan Montgomery remains a free agent, and with each passing day, it's unlikely he'll be returning to Globe Life Field.
Eovaldi is locked in the No. 1 spot entering Opening Day against the Chicago Cubs. Who fills the final four spots? Here's how MLB.com sees it:
Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer and the newly signed Mahle are all sidelined until the summer with varying injuries, so the rotation is five deep with Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning and presumably second-year pitcher Cody Bradford to start the season. With little experienced Minor League depth behind them, the Rangers seem to be betting on a good bit of fortune on the health side to bridge the gap to the second half of the season. - MLB.com
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