Texas Rangers players who won’t return in 2022: RHP Jordan Lyles
Can you guess the name of the pitcher who allowed the most home runs in baseball during the 2021 season?
If you guessed Jordan Lyles, you would be correct! He allowed a whopping 38 long balls in 2021.
It was a forgettable season for the veteran right-hander, who posted awful stats in 2021, including a 5.15 ERA and 1.39 WHIP in 180 innings pitched, though he did make 30 starts.
Lyles is nothing more than an innings eater for his career, and that’s what the Rangers needed this season with depth mostly lacking in the pitching department. But if this team is to turn the corner soon, they can’t be stuck turning to Lyles every fifth day.
Not to mention, Lyles and manager Chris Woodward, who is returning in 2022, didn’t always have the smoothest relationship.
With talented young pitchers emerging in Texas’ minor league ranks, plus a plethora of quality options to pursue in free agency this off-season, there’s no reason for Jordan Lyles to return to the Rangers next season.