Texas Rangers: Can Matt Moore Be Reliable in Arlington?

The Texas Rangers wasted little time improving their starting rotation this winter. They acquired lefty Matt Moore from the Giants, but can he be a reliable option for Texas?

On December 15, the Texas Rangers traded minor league pitchers Israel Cruz and Sam Wolff to the San Francisco Giants in exchange for lefty Matt Moore. Neither player was in the Rangers top 30 prospects, but Texas will pay Moore’s entire $9 million salary.

The 28-year-old Moore had his worst season of his career in 2017. He went 6-15 with a 5.52 ERA in 31 starts and one relief appearance with the Giants. He allowed a league leading 107 earned runs last season.

It was a truly awful season for Moore, but that doesn’t mean he can’t be a reliable option. In 2013, Moore went 17-4 with a 3.29 ERA in 27 starts with the Tampa Bay Rays. Although, Moore hasn’t been that same pitcher in quite some time.

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Moore has a 4.27 career ERA over the course of his seven-year MLB career. He’s not likely going to return to that ace form of 2013. Moore hasn’t been the same since suffering major shoulder issues.

The good news is, he’s started in at least 30 games each of the last two seasons. The Rangers shouldn’t have to worry about his shoulder anymore. He’s recovered, but won’t be the same pitcher that he was years ago.

At best, the Rangers are hopeful that Moore can become a stable piece in the rotation. A pitcher that can eat up innings and won’t spend much time on the disabled list. Moore has proven to be able to do that the last couple of seasons.

Do not expect Moore to be the ace of the Texas Rangers. If he stays healthy, then he could be a reliable option in the back of the rotation in 2018.

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