The World Baseball Classic knockout stage has arrived, and it's a thrilling time for baseball fans, especially those keeping an eye on some familiar faces from the Texas Rangers. Let's dive into how six former Rangers are poised to make an impact.
Liam Hicks - Canada
Liam Hicks, a catcher drafted by the Rangers back in 2021, has had quite the journey. Though he never made it to the majors with Texas, his career took a turn when he was traded to the Detroit Tigers and later picked up by the Miami Marlins.
Last season, Hicks showcased his skills with a 1.3 bWAR and a 94 OPS+ over 119 games. In the World Baseball Classic, Hicks made his mark in Canada's tight 3-2 victory over Puerto Rico, despite going 0-for-3.
His presence adds depth to Canada's lineup as they push forward.
Matt Festa - Italy
Matt Festa has been a solid presence on the mound for Italy. With a 4.37 ERA during his time with Texas in 2024, Festa has shown he can handle pressure.
In pool play, he delivered a scoreless inning against Great Britain, striking out two. Although he faced a challenge against Team USA, allowing a run, his ability to navigate tough lineups will be crucial for Italy in the knockout rounds.
Michael Lorenzen - Italy
Michael Lorenzen's performance against Team USA was nothing short of spectacular. With a 3.81 ERA in his 2024 season with the Rangers, Lorenzen brought his A-game to the WBC, shutting down a formidable USA lineup with 4 2/3 scoreless innings.
His two-hit, two-strikeout performance was instrumental in Italy's unexpected 8-6 victory. Should Italy continue their Cinderella run, Lorenzen is poised to be a key starter.
Thomas Saggese - Italy
Thomas Saggese, now with the St. Louis Cardinals, is another former Ranger making waves with Italy.
Although he went 0-for-6 in pool play, his potential to contribute in the knockout stage remains high. Saggese's journey from the Jordan Montgomery trade to the WBC highlights his growth and determination.
Dane Dunning - South Korea
Dane Dunning, a member of the Rangers' 2023 World Series team, is set for a challenging role with South Korea. After a tough outing against Taiwan, where he allowed a two-run homer, Dunning bounced back with a scoreless inning against Australia. As Korea faces the Dominican Republic, Dunning's experience will be vital in high-pressure situations.
Albert Abreu - Dominican Republic
Albert Abreu has been a force for the Dominican Republic, delivering two scoreless innings with four strikeouts against the Netherlands. His time with Texas in 2022 set the stage for performances like these. Abreu's ability to shut down opposing hitters will be crucial as the Dominican Republic aims for WBC glory.
These former Rangers are not just participating; they're making their presence felt on the international stage. As the World Baseball Classic heats up, keep an eye on these players-they're ready to shine when it matters most.