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Texas Rangers: Problem areas that need addressing going into 2022

By Chris Giles

OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Adolis Garcia #53 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 12, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CALIFORNIA - SEPTEMBER 12: Adolis Garcia #53 of the Texas Rangers bats against the Oakland Athletics in the top of the first inning at RingCentral Coliseum on September 12, 2021 in Oakland, California. (Photo by Thearon W. Henderson/Getty Images) /
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Texas Rangers Hearn
ARLINGTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 29: Taylor Hearn #52 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Los Angeles Angels in the top of the third inning at Globe Life Field on September 29, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers problem area: Starting Pitching

In 2021, the Rangers had 14 pitchers start games for them.  Only three of those pitchers had more than 20 starts and of those three only Dane Dunning (25) is still with them team.

Currently, Dunning is at the top of the rotation for Texas.  Other pitchers in the mix for 2022 are Kolby Allard, Taylor Hearn, Spencer Howard, Glenn Otto, and A.J. Alexy.  None of these youngster are the answer to resurrecting the starting rotation.

Cole Winn is close to making a run at a job with the Rangers.  Winn was the Nolan Ryan Minor League Pitcher of the Year in 2021.  Winn was AA pitcher of the week in May.  Winn was also the starting pitcher for the AL in the 2021 MLB All-Star Futures Game.

Here is a summary of the internal candidates for the starting rotation in 2022.

Pitchers who started games for Texas in 2021 (Bold are Currently on 40-Man Roster)

Jordan Lyles (30), Dane Dunning (25), Mike Foltynewicz (24), Kyle Gibson (19), Kolby Allard (17), Taylor Hearn (11), Kohei Arihara (10), Spencer Howard (8), Glenn Otto (6), A.J. Alexy (4), Hyeon-Jong Yang (4), Wes Benjamin (2), Drew Anderson (1), Jake Latz (1)

Top Prospects (11)

#1: Jack Leiter- RHP (Did Not Play)

#3: Cole Winn-RHP (AA/AAA)

#12: Ricky Vanasco-RHP (Did Not Play)

#15: Ronny Henriquez-RHP (A+/AA)

#22: A.J. Alexy-RHP (AA/AAA/MLB)

#23: Yerry Rodriguez-RHP (AA/AAA)

#24: Glenn Otto-RHP (AA/AAA/MLB)

#25: Tekoah Roby-RHP (A)

#27: Cody Bradford-LHP (A+/AA)

#29: Owen White-RHP (ROK/A)

#30: Avery Weems-LHP (A+)

The emergence of Nathaniel Lowe. dark. Next

Final Thoughts

As free agency approaches, look for the Rangers to inquire and possibly sign some players that will help speed up the rebuild.  Free Agency begins the day after the conclusion of the World Series.  All teams have a five day window to negotiate with their own free agents.  Free agents can begin to sign with a new team five days after the World Series ends.

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