4 Bold Texas Rangers predictions for 2024

Bold Prediction #4- Texas signs Roki Sasaki

Texas is keeping their powder dry this offseason for the most part. They have seen Mitch Garver sign with Seattle, Will Smith with the Kansas City Royals, and Austin Hedges with the Cleveland Guardians. Jordan Montgomery will inevitably sign elsewhere this offseason as well. They will most likely allow Max Scherzer and Andrew Heaney to leave in free agency after this season. Texas will need to sign another starter. The free agent market in 2023-2024 is loaded with pitching. The best pitcher might be someone who is not even in the majors. It is likely to be Roki Sasaki. There are already rumors that he wants to be posted after the NPB season in 2024. He wants to come here sooner rather than wait until he can cash in on a bigger payday.

Sasaki will be turning just 23 years old when he is posted. I think Texas will be willing to pay up to get Sasaki. I don't think the Dodgers will get involved especially with Shohei Ohtani joining the rotation in 2025. Texas will be competing with the Padres, Yankees, Mets, Red Sox, and maybe the Cubs. In the end, I think Sasaki chooses to sign with the Rangers and begin his major league career in Arlington much like Yu Darvish did back in 2012.

Sasaki is a 6'2 right-handed pitcher who throws straight gas.He finished the 2023 season with a 1.78 ERA and struck out 135 batters and walked 17 in 91 innings pitched. He was sensational. His skill set will likely translate very well to the major league game. I think Texas will be very aggressive in their pursuit as Sasaki will give them a young staff ace that they can build around now and in the future. I think that Sasaki's decision is made in December of 2024. He is a Christmas present that Texas Rangers' fans can look forward to unwrapping next holiday season.

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