Texas Rangers: 3 Biggest Surprise Players This Season

Keone Kela

It’s fair to say that the Rangers bullpen has been the biggest disappointment this season. The team has been unable to find a stable closer, and the blown saves have potentially cost the Rangers a playoff spot.

One of the few bright spots coming out of the bullpen has been reliever Keone Kela. If this success continues big things could be on the horizon for Kela in 2018 and beyond.

This season Kela is 4-1 with a 2.43 ERA in 33 games with one save and 45 strikeouts. Currently, Kela has the lowest ERA on the Rangers pitching staff. Opposing batters are hitting just .132 off Kela which is also the lowest of Rangers pitchers this season.

It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to see that Kela has put himself in good position to take over the closer role. He’s been by far the best reliever for the Rangers, and they shouldn’t wait until 2018 to make the change.

If the Rangers go with Kela as closer now he can get experience in the role. The Rangers are fading out of the playoff race and it will take some of the pressure off the closer. It’s time for Texas to prepare for the future and get ready to compete in 2018.