3 biggest storylines to watch at 2022 Texas Rangers spring training

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Mar 28, 2021; Surprise, Arizona, USA; A general view of the game between the Texas Rangers and the Chicago Cubs during the second inning of a spring training game at Surprise Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Joe Camporeale-USA TODAY Sports /

The 2022 season is finally upon us, though thanks to the lockout, we still have some off-season items left to address before the Texas Rangers head up north to Toronto to take on the Blue Jays April 8. But as the Rangers begin their spring slate of games in Arizona as a tune-up to the regular season, there are plenty of in-house storylines to follow as baseball activities ramp up.

Minor leaguers have been in camp for a few weeks now, while their major league counterparts were able to join them after the union and league agreed to a new Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).

Let’s take a look at three storylines to monitor as Texas Rangers spring training officially kicks off.

What are the 3 biggest storylines of 2022 Texas Rangers spring training?

1. The third base position competition

Trading Isiah Kiner-Falefa to the Twins (who subsequently flipped him to the Yankees) for catcher Mitch Garver left the Rangers without an obvious third base solution in the wake of Josh Jung’s injury. It looks like the team will mostly resort to in-house options for now, and there are plenty of quality ones like Andy Ibanez, Yonny Hernandez, prospects Davis Wendzel and Sherten Apostel, and others.

But Texas also signed veteran Brad Miller to a two-year deal in hopes that he can find his power stroke once again with the Rangers. A versatile presence with lefty pop, Miller figures to factor into the third base conversation somewhat. So does Charlie Culberson, who returns to the Rangers on a minors deal this spring.

Clearly, the Rangers have choices at third base this spring, and can take the next couple of weeks to evaluate them. For now, though, whoever ends up starting Opening Day in Toronto is anyone’s guess.

Sep 18, 2021; Boston, Massachusetts, USA; Boston Red Sox relief pitcher Garrett Richards (43) pitches during the ninth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /

What are the 3 biggest storylines of 2022 Texas Rangers spring training?

2. Filling out the starting rotation

There’s no question one of the weakest areas of the Texas Rangers’ current roster is their starting rotation. When Jon Gray projects as your staff ace, there’s work to be done. That’s not meant as any disrespect, but it’s just the reality of the situation.

Texas missed out on Clayton Kershaw and Carlos Rodon, as well as trading for Sonny Gray, but they’ve since supplemented with lefty Martin Perez (a reunion) and righty Garrett Richards, signed to a one-year contract by the Rangers late Tuesday night. Both hurlers spent 2021 with the Boston Red Sox, and both figure to make the roster out of spring training this year given their collective experience.

Outside of Richards, Perez and Gray, the Rangers also have Dane Dunning and Taylor Hearn penciled into rotation spots, but expect Glenn Otto, Spencer Howard, Kolby Allard and A.J. Alexy, among others, to compete for time in the starting rotation as well.

It’s not the best rotation situation heading into 2022, but Texas will have to make do, seemingly. The good news? Pitching prospects are on the way!

ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 28: The Texas Rangers 2021 top draft pick Jack Leiter throws out a ceremonial first pitch before the Rangers play the Arizona Diamondbacks at Globe Life Field on July 28, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ron Jenkins/Getty Images) /

What are the 3 biggest storylines of 2022 Texas Rangers spring training?

3. Top prospects trying to win jobs/continue their progression

Much to their credit, the Texas Rangers have been taking a cautious approach with their prospects. This will hopefully pay off down the line.

Right now, however, that means fans will have to wait to see these talents play in the big leagues. But they can watch them at spring training as the Rangers allow them to take part in spring games.

Jack Leiter, for example, has already pitched in a scrimmage this spring, and will have more opportunities to impress the Rangers in Arizona in front of big league talent. Other prospects like Cole Winn should expect to merit serious consideration for MLB call-ups this season, so their spring performances will serve as early indicators of whether they’re still on track or not.

The continued rise of infielders Ezequiel Duran, Justin Foscue, Dustin Harris and others will be closely followed, as will those of pitchers like Owen White and Ricky Vanasco.

It's finally spring training time in Arizona!. dark. Next

Though the great majority of these high-level prospects won’t be on the Texas Rangers’ Opening Day roster come April 8, their progress this spring will be no less important to monitor.

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3 biggest storylines to watch at 2022 Texas Rangers Spring Training

What are the 3 biggest storylines of 2022 Texas Rangers spring training?

1. The third base position competition

What are the 3 biggest storylines of 2022 Texas Rangers spring training?

2. Filling out the starting rotation

What are the 3 biggest storylines of 2022 Texas Rangers spring training?

3. Top prospects trying to win jobs/continue their progression

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