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22-year streak illustrates how good Texas Rangers are at avoiding arbitration

By Seth Carlson

Oct 2, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Willie Calhoun (5) hits a home run against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports
Oct 2, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers left fielder Willie Calhoun (5) hits a home run against the Cleveland Indians during the first inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jim Cowsert-USA TODAY Sports /
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When it comes to arbitration, there’s almost no team better at handling it than the Texas Rangers.

2022 marked the 22nd consecutive year in which the franchise did not go to arbitration with its players, a feat that is nothing short of impressive. That means the Texas Rangers haven’t attended an arbitration hearing since 2000, when they last did so with Lee Stevens.

This is a feat that is nothing short of impressive. And it only looks better in the context of MLB and the MLBPA having just endured months of labor stalemate before finally agreeing on a new CBA to let this season commence. Before that, the two sides had a spat over how to proceed with the pandemic-shortened 2020 season.

Texas Rangers continued impressive arbitration streak dating back to 2000

Only four players on the Texas Rangers were eligible for arbitration this season:

  • Mitch Garver — $3,335,000
  • Willie Calhoun — $1,300,000
  • Taylor Hearn — $1,050,000
  • Brett Martin — $1,025,000

And all of them settled.

With a young team like the one the Rangers have, it’s likely inevitable that the team’s arbitration streak will end, especially as some of the prospects that come up perform well and demand that they get paid their worth during their pre-free agency years.

All four players Texas settled with in 2022 will be crucial to any on-field success this season. Garver is the projected starting catcher for the Rangers after being acquired from the Twins for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pitching prospect Ronny Henriquez. Calhoun is being given one last chance at redemption after so many injury-plagued seasons, though his bat is solid when healthy. Taylor Hearn is a bona-fide starting rotation candidate after breaking out in the second half of 2021 and Brett Martin is one of the Rangers’ most reliable bullpen arms, as well as a potential trade candidate down the line.

Next. 3 biggest storylines at 2022 Rangers Spring Training. dark

Now that contracts and salaries have been addressed, the Texas Rangers can turn their full focus to the new season that lies ahead!

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