The Texas Rangers' success last season was driven by their stellar pitching staff. From the starting rotation to the bullpen, their arms kept games tight for the offense. With a team ERA of 3.47, they topped MLB, edging out the Milwaukee Brewers, who posted a 3.58 ERA.
Despite losing Tyler Mahle and Merrill Kelly in free agency, the Rangers swiftly moved to fill the gap by acquiring MacKenzie Gore from the Washington Nationals.
As the new season approaches, Texas boasts a formidable rotation. Jacob deGrom is set to lead, with Nathan Eovaldi as the No. 2 and Gore stepping in as No.
- Following them are promising talents Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker.
However, there are concerns about the longevity of this rotation. With deGrom and Eovaldi advancing in age, there's buzz about adding Minnesota Twins All-Star Joe Ryan to the mix. As noted by Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter, bringing in Ryan could elevate the rotation to an elite level while providing insurance for the aging deGrom and Eovaldi.
If this move happens, Rocker might find himself in a hybrid role. This could be beneficial, allowing him to manage his innings after recovering from shoulder impingement and Tommy John surgery in 2023.