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Re-grading the Texas Rangers’ 2021 off-season one year later

By Seth Carlson

Aug 19, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (30) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 19, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Nathaniel Lowe (30) in action during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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Sep 15, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kohei Arihara (35) throws during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 15, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Kohei Arihara (35) throws during the fifth inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /

Re-grading the Texas Rangers’ 2021 off-season a year later

Signing RHP Kohei Arihara from Japan

The Texas Rangers had been successful with Japanese pitchers in the past, namely Yu Darvish, so it made to sense to draw from that well once again.

Texas inked Kohei Arihara to a two-year deal in December 2020 and though the deal was cheap, it did not pan out as hoped.

Arihara really struggled in 2021 with a 6.64 ERA in 10 starts. He missed a large chunk of the 2021 season with shoulder issues, which was unfortunate.  Even after he returned, though, he continued to get shellacked by his opponents. Not exactly a recipe for lasting success.

The Japanese righty was DFA’d in September and is currently still in the Rangers’ organization. He could still get a shot to start with the team again in 2022 given the poor state of Texas’ starting staff. He’ll have to earn that, though.

Grade: D

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