Texas Rangers: 5 Questions Heading Into The 2017 Season

Can Sam Dyson be the full-time closer in Texas?

Since joining the Rangers mid-season in 2015, Sam Dyson has been everything the team has wanted and more. Pitching in 104 games with a 2.04 ERA and 40 saves, fans shouldn’t have to question whether or not Dyson is the closer.

Although 38 of those 40 saves came just last season. The closer role is newer to Dyson, but he’s adjusted well. In a scenario where Dyson fails to secure the 9th inning role, do the Rangers have options ready?

Jeremy Jeffress or Matt Bush would likely be next in line. Together they have 29 career saves between the two of them. If Dyson is unable to find his groove, the Rangers could be in trouble. There is no reason to suggest Dyson would struggle, but it’s baseball, anything can happen.

The Rangers should have acquired a veteran pitcher with 9th inning experience. This would at least give the team insurance in case Dyson struggles. Now the Rangers will likely be forced to use in-house options if Dyson collapses early in the season.

The lack of experienced bullpen depth should be a concern going forward into 2017. Injuries are unavoidable, and every team must face them. The Rangers already lost Jake Diekman, but if they lose Dyson it could lead to a panic.

Dyson’s prior experience with the Rangers shows positive signs that the organization has nothing to worry about.  Arlington needs a big performance from Dyson in 2017, and hopefully he’s ready for the challenge.