Texas Rangers: Why Adding Ronald Herrera Was A Great Move

The Texas Rangers have added multiple former All-Stars this winter. Those may turn out to be quality moves, but adding Ronald Herrera might be the best move of all.

In late November the Texas Rangers acquired righty pitcher Ronald Herrera from the New York Yankees in exchange for lefty pitcher Reiver Sanmartin. The Yankees were looking to clear a roster spot, but the Rangers may have received one of best minor league pitchers.

Last season, Herrera went 8-1 with a 1.91 ERA in 14 starts between three different minor league levels. The 22-year-old got a taste of the MLB, but pitched in just two games with the Yankees in 2017.

His numbers in the minor leagues are like something out of a video game. He pitched 75.1 innings, allowing 53 hits and just four home runs. He only walked 15 batters and struck out 57 during his 14 starts in the minors.

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It’s incredible that the Yankees gave up such a talented pitcher for very little in exchange. Herrera has pitched well throughout his six years in the minor leagues. It’s quite strange the Yankees were so eager to trade away Herrera.

The Rangers current rotation is packed with a veteran arms. Most likely Herrera is going to begin the 2018 season in Triple-A Round Rock. Texas will likely look to trade away veterans mid-season, and that is where Herrera comes in.

Assuming Herrera pitches well in the minors, he could be looking at a spot in the Rangers rotation by July. He could come out of the bullpen as a reliever, but has pitched extremely well as a starter in the minors.

The Rangers have plenty of young pitchers in their farm system, but many are not ready to take the next step. Herrera is under control through 2024, and could end up being one of the best trades Jon Daniels had ever made.

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