Texas Rangers: Predicting the 2022 bullpen before free agency

Texas Rangers 2022 bullpen longshots

Matt Bush

• Draft: 1st Round, 1st Overall, 2004 by San Diego Padres
• Age: 35
• 2021 Appearances: 4
• MLB 2021 Record: 0-0
• IP: 4.0
• ERA: 6.75
• SV: 0

Since joining the Rangers in 2016, Bush has had several injuries that have derailed his opportunities for success.  He was efficient in his one inning of work in the season finale and will probably sign a minor league deal to return to Rangers Spring Training in 2022.

Demarcus Evans

• Draft: 25th Round, 738th Overall, 2015 by Texas Rangers
• Age: 24
• 2021 Appearances: 25
• MLB 2021 Record: 0-2
• IP: 26.1
• ERA: 5.13
• SV: 0

Demarcus Evans has been exceptional in parts of six minor league seasons in the Texas organization.  In 2020, Evans made his MLB debut pitching in four games, all in relief.  Evans struggled at the major league level this year and will push for a roster spot in Spring Training in 2022.

Brock Burke

• Draft: 3rd Round, 96th Overall, 2014 by Tampa Bay Rays
• Age: 25
• 2021 Appearances: 6
• MLB 2021 Record: 0-2
• IP: 26.2
• ERA: 7.43
• SV: 0

In December 2018, Brock Burke was acquired by the Rangers in a three-way trade with Tampa Bay and Oakland.  Injuries have derailed Burke’s career and he needs to be healthy in Spring Training if he is going to be considered for the Texas Opening Day roster.

Joe Palumbo

• Draft: 30th Round, 910th Overall, 2013 by Texas Rangers
• Age: 26
• 2021 Appearances: 2
• MLB 2021 Record: 0-1
• IP: 2.1
• ERA: 11.57
• SV: 0

Joe Palumbo has had a difficult time transferring his skills to the major leagues.  Palumbo pitched in nine games for the Rangers in 2019 and 2020.  He has battled illness and injuries that have kept him from reaching his potential.  Palumbo is at risk of being removed from the Rangers 40-man roster.  If Palumbo is successful in the majors, he may have to do it in another organization.