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Texas Rangers: The 2022 Opening Day dream lineup

By Chris Giles

OAKLAND, CA - SEPTMEBER 21: Starling Marte #2 of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run during the game against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 5-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA - SEPTMEBER 21: Starling Marte #2 of the Oakland Athletics hits a home run during the game against the Seattle Mariners at RingCentral Coliseum on September 21, 2021 in Oakland, California. The Mariners defeated the Athletics 5-2. (Photo by Michael Zagaris/Oakland Athletics/Getty Images) /
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Texas Rangers Ray
Sep 30, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays starting pitcher Robbie Ray (38) delivers a pitch against New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

The biggest weakness in the Texas Rangers pitching staff is the current state of the starting rotation.  It is my opinion that the starting rotation will add two pitchers from either free agency or trades.

The bullpen will be mostly returnees who actually did a pretty good job in 2021.  Here is a look at the pitching staff for 2022.

Robbie Ray – Toronto Blue Jays (LHP)

Robbie Ray is the starting pitcher the Rangers should pursue.  He is 30, just finished a nice season in Toronto, and he is an affordable option to pitch at the top of the rotation.

In 2021, Ray started 32 games for the Blue Jays and completed 193.1 innings.  His 13-7 record and 248 (SO) would make him the ace of the Rangers staff.

Ray just finished his 8th season in MLB.  The 2021 season was the best statistically of Ray’s career.

Ray will likely demand a 4-5 year contract but, will likely settle for three years with the Rangers.

Contract: 3 yr, $45 M (2022-24)

Dylan Bundy – Los Angeles Angels (RHP)

After a strong year in 2020, Bundy struggled throughout the 2021 season.  At 28, the Rangers could sign Bundy to an incentive laden contract with the hope that he can rebound from his disastrous season.

In 2021, Bundy went 2-9 with a 6.06 (ERA).  Bundy only pitched 90.2 innings and finished the season on the 60-day injury list with a right shoulder strain.

If he is healthy, Bundy could help fortify the bottom of the Rangers rotation in 2022.

Contract: 1 yr, 9M

Opening Day Rotation

  • 1- Robbie Ray (Free Agent from Toronto)
  • 2- Dane Dunning
  • 3- Jordan Lyles (Re-sign with Texas)
  • 4- Taylor Hearn
  • 5- Dylan Bundy (Free Agent from LAA)

Bullpen on Opening Day

  • 1- Brett Martin (LHP)
  • 2- Josh Sborz (RHP)
  • 3- Spencer Patton (RHP)
  • 4- Dennis Santana (RHP)
  • 5- Kolby Allard (LHP)
  • 6- Joe Barlow (RHP)
  • 7- John King (LHP)
  • 8- Jharel Cotton (RHP)

Injury List: Jose Leclerc (RHP), Jonathan Hernandez (RHP)

Next. Answering the 3 biggest off-season questions for the Texas Rangers. dark

Final Thoughts

By adding three position players and two starting pitchers through free agency, the Texas Rangers will add approximately $89M to the current payroll.  This is in line with the projected payroll for the Rangers next year.

Of course, this is a wish list and anything can happen once free agency begins and the Winter Meetings arrive in December.

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