Texas Rangers Acquire Starting Pitcher from the Yankees

The first candidate for the Texas Rangers 2018 starting rotation has been acquired. The Yankees and Rangers traded pitchers on Monday to set up their 40-man rosters before the Rule-5 draft.

The Texas Rangers have acquired pitcher Ronald Herrera from the New York Yankees in exchange for lefty Reiver Sanmartin. The 22-year-old Herrera made his MLB debut with the Yankees last season.

The Yankees did not have a spot for Herrera on their 40-man roster, and if kept off he would be eligible for the Rule-5 draft. The newly acquired Herrera will be added to the Rangers 40-man roster and will now be protected.

Herrera went 8-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 14 starts between three different Minor League levels in 2017. He was impressive, allowing just four home runs in 75 innings of work. He appears ready to take the next step into the MLB.

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In 2017 Herrera made just two appearances with the Yankees. He allowed two earned runs in three innings, but you can’t hold that against him. It’s surprising the Yankees were so willing to give up such a promising young arm.

He made just two starts in the final two months due to shoulder inflammation. The Rangers do expect Herrera to be fine and ready for Spring Training. Herrera should be given a fair shot at a spot in Rangers starting rotation.

The Rangers did lose a young arm themselves in the deal. Sanmartin went 7-2 with a 2.45 ERA in 14 games (11 starts) in Low-A ball last season. The 21-year-old is years away from the MLB, and needs plenty more seasoning before reaching the Majors.

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This deal was a win for the Rangers who acquire a young starter that is under control through 2024. It’s a low risk/high reward type of situation for Texas. We should see plenty of Herrera this spring, and hopefully he can make an impact in 2018.

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