In 2021 the Texas Rangers finished with the third-fewest wins in baseball. Texas won just 24 of their 57 road games as the starting pitching struggled. While they are still rebuilding, there is some excitement surrounding the Rangers 2022 campaign. In the winter, Texas two added stars in Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. With their infield now set for the foreseeable future, the Rangers’ focus will shift to developing their prospects as they move closer to playoff contention.
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Additions
Corey Seager, SS, 10 Years, $325 Million
The Rangers made one of the biggest splashes of the offseason with the addition Seager. The 28-year-old was one of the top options in free agency due to his .306 batting average over the past two years. Seager has also been a doubles machine with 164 in his career. He owns a career .297 batting average and brings plenty of playoff experience. With Seager’s talents under team control for the next decade, the Ranger’s offense is in good hands.
Marcus Semien, 2B, Seven Years, $ 175 Million
Another big name came to Texas this offseason in the form of Marcus Semien. The former sixth-round pick hit a career-high 45 home runs last year and appeared in 162 games for the second time in his career. Semien also had 102 runs batted in and finished third in the AL MVP voting. Alongside Seager, Semien should continue to be a force offensively while providing Gold Glove-caliber defense.
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Jon Gray, SP, Four Years, $ 56 Million
After transforming the infield, Texas found a rotation upgrade in Jon Gray. The former third overall pick came to Texas after a seven-year stint in Colorado. While Gray has a career 4.59 ERA, he has 849 strikeouts on his resume. For a Rangers team that posted the third-worst ERA in baseball last year, Gray is a significant upgrade. While Gray’s numbers don’t jump off the page, he will be a mentor for the Rangers’ next wave of talent. Which includes Taylor Hearn, Spencer Howard, and Jack Leiter.
Jon Gray, Filthy Sliders (helicopter sword & bend the knee). 🚁⚔️🐺 pic.twitter.com/5NoZrW5paC
— Rob Friedman (@PitchingNinja) April 4, 2021
Subtractions
Isiah Kiner-Falefa, INF, Yankees
With catcher an area of need, the Rangers dealt Falefa to the Twins for Mitch Garver. During his tenure with the Rangers, Falefa posted a .265 and won a Gold Glove in 2020. While the Honolulu native became a fan favorite, Texas was limited, with Jonah Heim and Jose Trevino behind the plate. In Garver, the Rangers have a backstop who is solid offensively, and that can mentor a young pitching staff.
Jordan Lyles, SP, Orioles
After two years in Texas, Lyles departed for the Orioles in free agency. The veteran right-hander posted a 10-13 record last year and made 30 plus starts for the first time since 2018. While provided innings, Lyles was plagued by the home run ball. In Baltimore, he will be a veteran presence and potential trade piece.
Brock Holt, INF
Holt joined the Rangers on a minor-league deal and appeared in 76 games for Texas. The former ninth-round pick struggled at the plate and posted a .209 batting. While Holt was a valuable veteran presence, he failed to regain his 2019 form. The 33-year-old is currently a free agent after he was granted his release by Atlanta last week.
2022 Outlook
While the Rangers were one of the busiest teams in free agency, they are not expected to be in playoff contention. The offense has gotten significant upgrades, but questions remain in the rotation. Texas will be looking for Hearn to take the next step and Dane Dunning to improve. However, the future is bright for Texas as their farm system is now one of the top 15 best in baseball.
Prediction: 77- 85
After a tough 2021 campaign, the Rangers’ rebuild is inching closer to an end. They have an elite infield duo with Semien and Seager, who combined for 61 home runs last year. The rotation also received a needed upgrade in Gray. Their success, however, will depend on how young arms such as Brock Burke, Kolby Allard, and Glenn Otto develop. While the Rangers are projected by many to finish under .500, key pieces of the future will get to make their mark.
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