Texas Rangers: Should Austin Bibens-Dirkx Return In 2018?

Austin Bibens-Dirkx’s 2017 is going very well. Much better than anticipated. The Texas Rangers brought him along and gave him a chance. Seems as if bringing him along was a good move after all.

Bibens-Dirkx has been pitching for a very long time. He’s bounced through five ball clubs, pitching in their farm system and never quite receiving a call-up to the main roster. Last December, the Texas Rangers signed Bibens-Dirkx to a minor league contract. He would go on to begin this season in AAA Round Rock.

In May, the Rangers purchased Bibens-Dirkx’s contract, resulting in Bibens-Dirkx going to the majors for the first time in his career. Making it to the majors for the first at the age of 32 is unique. It’s not something that happens often. No doubt, Bibens-Dirkx is one of the many ball players that’s been told, “You’re not going to make it. You’re not good enough.” It doesn’t matter that he made it after pitching for over ten years. The only thing that matters is that he has made it. Better late than never in his case.

More from Texas Rangers News

• Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
• 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter

Bibens-Dirkx made his major-league debut May 17th, pitching one inning, allowing one hit, one run, and striking out one batter in a 9-3 Rangers win. He would earn his first major league on June 6 in a 10-8 Rangers victory.

On his first major-league start on June 11th against the Washington Nationals. He would pitch 7.0 innings, allowing three hits, one run, and striking out two runs in a 5-1 win. Later that month, he improved to 2-0 as a starter.

Overall, he’s 3-2 this season in six starts. He’s 2-1 as a starting pitcher. Last week, Bibens-Dirkx returned to the bullpen. Likely due to the return of A.J. Griffin, who’s injury is the reason Bibens-Dirkx is in the majors.

As far as if the Rangers should re-sign him or not, they definitely should. He came on the scene and made an impact. To be honest, he deserves better than a minor league deal. A one-year, in the $7-10 million seems logical. However, if does accept another minor league deal, the Rangers need to make sure he gets an invitation to Spring Training.