Texas Rangers: Answering the 3 biggest questions of the off-season

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Oct 2, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Jonah Heim (28) celebrates his three-run home run with designated hitter Nathaniel Lowe (left) and first baseman Andy Ibanez (77) during the fourth inning against the Cleveland Indians at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /

Who on the Texas Rangers’ current roster is returning next season?

The Texas Rangers used 26 rookies in 2021. That’s a staggering number for any team, even a rebuilding one.

Some of those rookies played really well, such as AL Rookie of the Year candidate Adolis Garcia. Other rookies who shined included OF D.J. Peters, RHPs Glenn Otto and A.J. Alexy (in spurts), reliever Joe Barlow and infielders Andy Ibanez and Yonny Hernandez. Other rookies like Curtis Terry struggled.

On the more veteran side of things, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Nathaniel Lowe both proved they’re worthy of returning in 2022 and possibly beyond as they look to be part of the next winning core in Texas. Willie Calhoun was banged up most of 2021 and could be on a short leash in 2022. Jose Trevino and Jonah Heim did a solid job manning the catcher position all season.

Look for pitchers Dane Dunning, Spencer Howard and Taylor Hearn to reprise their roles in 2022 as well. Each one has varying levels of talent and upside and each could factor into a future pitching staff.

Overall, though, there aren’t any bona fide stars on this roster. Therefore, it’s quite possible that a near full-scale roster overhaul is in order for 2022. There isn’t anyone on this team that has definitively etched their place going into next season. Some are close to being locks, like El Bombi. But I expect lots of player maneuvering this off-season, so the 2022 roster could look very different than the 2021 one.

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