Texas Rangers: 5 Sleeper Players To Watch In 2017

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Jun 13, 2015; Arlington, TX, USA; A view of the MLB logo during a rain delay in the game between the Texas Rangers and the Minnesota Twins at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

The Rangers selected 27-year-old starting pitcher Mike Hauschild in the Rule-5 Draft. Hauschild was originally drafted by the Houston Astros, but never made their Major League roster. The Rangers selecting him means that Hauschild must stay on the Rangers 25-man roster in 2017.

If Hauschild does not stay on the 25-man roster for the entire 2017 season he will be offered back to the Astros. While the Rangers have a crowded rotation Hauschild still has something to offer the Rangers.

In 2016 Hauschild went 9-10 3.22 ERA in 24 starts in Triple-A. Only allowing seven homers in almost 140 innings pitched last season. Hauschild has incredible command and could be an asset to the Rangers pitching staff.

Over the course of his five-year minor league career Hauschild is 36-32 3.50 ERA in 124 games (87 starts) and has five saves. Hauschild has plenty minor league experience and his ERA has lowered each of the last three seasons.

Even if Hauschild does not make it as a starter in the Rangers rotation he has excellent bullpen numbers. In 2012 Hauschild posted an outstanding 1.78 ERA in 19 games with 13 games finished and three saves.

Hauschild has pitched both in the rotation and the bullpen with success. The Rangers should not expect Hauschild to be an ace, but he could be the next Rule-5 pick to become an everyday Major League player.

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