Why this right-handed pitcher could be the Rangers' biggest wild card

The offseason annually reminds fans and pundits about the success or failure that past deals and trades have brought about. Some moves that may have been viewed as risky at the time have aged very well, but one similar choice has not yet produced a clear outcome for the Texas Rangers.

The Rangers signed starting pitcher Tyler Mahle to a a two-year, $22 million deal last winter, and believed he would be a solid depth piece for their rotation. As far as 2025 is concerned, he may be the club's biggest wild card.

Why this right-handed pitcher could be the Rangers' biggest wild card

The Rangers' rotation will be a talking point all winter. It is not known if Max Scherzer, Andrew Heaney, or Nathan Eovaldi will return. Further, young arms like Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter will surely compete for a regular spot this spring.

Mahle is a different case altogether. He is not a pure ace, but has more talent than to simply be considered a back end option. Injuries severely hurt his first season in Arlington. The California native missed the beginning of the 2024 campaign while he rehabilitated from ‘Tommy John’ ligament replacement surgery, and only made three starts.

Unfortunately, the 30-year-old has had injury issues throughout his career. He has not made more than 10 starts since 2022, and the Rangers have not seen him show his true potential.

Mahle's best season came in 2021 as a member of the Cincinnati Reds. He went 13-6 with a 3.75 across 33 starts and 180 innings. He ranked in the 82nd percentile in Hard Hit% and the 79th percentile in K%.

At his best, Mahle's fastball, slider, splitter, and cutter combination can keep hitters honest. He has never had the kind of overpowering stuff that could headline a staff. But, his ceiling is higher than his recent numbers would suggest.

The righty has only been able to crack 100 innings one time since that 2021 campaign. Assuming they do not deal him this offseason, Texas would love to see him meet that mark in 2025.

If the former seventh-round draft pick is able stay healthy and compete, he could help a rotation that will be observed carefully.