Predicting the Texas Rangers 2015 rotation

Jul 28, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher

(11) throws during the game against the New York Yankees at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports

Yu da man: Starting with the obvious, the Texas Rangers will still have their ace Yu Darvish in the rotation.  He’s easily their number one pitcher and there currently isn’t any concerns about his trip on the disabled list for next season.  The Rangers are taking every precaution to make sure that he’s ready for spring training and his role next year as the team’s dominate force in the rotation.

2014 stats

• Record 10-7
• 3.06 ERA
• 11.3 strikeouts per 9 innings (leads the majors)
• 182 strikeouts
• 49 walks
• 3.71 strikeout to walks ratio
• 1.26 WHIP
• 3.5 WAR (8.2 career WAR)

Yu Darvish was recently placed on waivers, but it is still unlikely he’ll be traded this season.   If they did trade Yu Darvish that would mean that next season might not be what fans are expecting.  It could mean the 2015 season is a rebuilding season instead of the Rangers trying to contend with the Oakland Athletics and the Los Angeles Angels for a division title.

Jon Daniels recently said that Darvish isn’t someone they are looking to trade.  But, they are listening to offers and it would take something pretty amazing to make them decide to trade Darvish.