Many would say that addressing the bullpen at the MLB Winter Meetings is the biggest need, but I would argue that it is actually the starting rotation. Yes, the Rangers must address both the bullpen and DH, but without both quality and quantity of starters, this team could be struggling to get wins throughout the regular season. Look, the Rangers already have some great starters on the roster, but one or possibly two more will be needed to make the playoffs, much less repeat as World Series champs.
Starters are going off the board, so the Texas Rangers need one soon
The injury bug hit the Rangers rotation in a huge way last year, but they weren't the only team to have top starters miss extended periods of time. With the all-out approach that pitchers are asked to have these days, injuries are going to happen, it's just a matter of when and how bad. Two of the top free agent starters are already off the board in Aaron Nola and Sonny Gray. Jordan Montgomery and Blake Snell are still available along with several other lower tier starters. There is also the possibility of acquiring a starter via a trade.
Young is not only a high intelligent baseball person that sees the current state of the starting pitcher, but he is a former MLB starter himself. He focused on the rotation last offseason, and I wouldn't be surprised if he adds some key pieces to it again this year. By having a deep rotation, the Rangers will be able to help their bullpen by not having to overuse them. It will also give Bruce Bochy the ability to keep not only some long relief guys in the pen, but arms that can be quality starters in a pinch or the long term if need be.
As stated earlier, this isn't going to be a revamp year for the Rangers. There is a solid base of players already in place, but with a few of the right additions at DH, the bullpen, and rotation, 2024 has the potential to be yet another fun summer in Arlington.
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