Target These Texas Rangers Futures For 2023

The Texas Rangers franchise dates back to 1961 when they launched as the Washington Senators. After posting losing seasons in 10 of 11 seasons in Washington, the team moved to Texas, where they have won just four total postseason games in just eight berths since 1972. With two World Series losses in 2010 and 2011, the Rangers are one of six MLB teams that haven’t won a championship and after a 68-94 record last season, those who bet their futures in a positive way were disappointed once again.

However, it’s clear this club is in win-now mode after some splashy offseason moves. 

Last offseason, the Rangers spent a combined $500 million on middle infielders Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, but found out the hard way that a lack of pitching can prevent success. This winter, the team has already signed perennial Cy Young candidate Jacob deGrom, talented lefty Andrew Heaney, proven veteran Nate Eovaldi and re-signed Martin Perez to bolster a new-look starting rotation. 

Also, it’s important to mention that all-time great (and World Series winning) manager Bruce Bochy was lured out of retirement to take over.

Per BetMGM, the Rangers have +1000 odds to win the AL West Division, +2500 odds to win the AL Pennant and +5000 to win the World Series. Let’s go through pitching and hitting outlooks and find out what the most logical futures to target are.

Pitching

As it currently stands, the Rangers have the second-ranked starting pitching staff in baseball in terms of last season’s Wins Above Replacement (WAR) metric, per FanGraphs. Here’s how I expect the rotation will look, along with each guy’s 2022 numbers.

• Jacob deGrom (11 GS, 64.1 IP, 5-4, 3.08 ERA, 0.75 WHIP)
• Martin Perez (32 GS, 196.1 IP, 12-8, 2.89 ERA, 1.26 WHIP)
• Nathan Eovaldi (20 GS, 109.1 IP, 6-3, 3.87 ERA, 1.23 WHIP)
• Andrew Heaney (16 GP, 72.2 IP, 4-4, 3.10 ERA, 1.09 WHIP)
• Jon Gray (24 GP, 127.1 IP, 7-7, 3.96 ERA, 1.13 WHIP)

Pretty solid, right?

The team also signed Jake Odorizzi, who I expect will serve as the 6th starter and/or long reliever while other starters like Glenn Otto and Dane Dunning will likely move to the bullpen.

Since Texas’ bullpen currently consists of Jose Leclerc, Jonathan Hernandez and Brock Burke as its impact arms, this team will likely need to make some free agent signings to bolster its relievers. Watch names like Will Smith, Zach Britton, Corey Knebel, Brad Hand, Trevor Rosenthal, all of which are unrestricted free agents. Since the Rangers made a clear investment in starting pitching, expect them to make some moves for the ‘pen.

Also, don’t forget about top prospects Jack Leiter, Kumar Rocker and Owen White, all of whom I expect to make their Major League debuts this season or next.

Hitting

As of right now, this is what Texas’ lineup would likely look like, along with their 2022 numbers.

• 2B Marcus Semien (.248/.304/.429, 26 HR, 83 RBI, 25 SB 161 G)
• SS Corey Seager (.245/.317/.455, 33 HR, 83 RBI, 151 G)
• 1B Nate Lowe (.302/.358/.492, 27 HR, 76 RBI, 157 G)
• RF Adolis Garcia (.250/.300/.456, 27 HR, 101 RBI, 25 SB, 156 G)
• C Jonah Heim (.227/.298/.399, 16 HR, 48 RBI, 127 G)
• 3B Josh Jung (.204/.235/.418, 5 HR, 14 RBI, 26 G)
• CF Leody Taveras (.261/.309/.366, 5 HR, 34 RBI, 11 SB, 99 G)
• DH Brad Miller (.212/.270/.320, 7 HR, 32 RBI, 81 G)
• LF Josh Smith (.197/.307/.249, 2 HR, 16 RBI, 73 G)

That is essentially the same lineup that scored 707 runs last regular season (12th-most), but there’s still room to make some improvements at the bottom. Catcher Mitch Garver would likely get a lot of playing time as Heim’s backup, and this could be the year that outfield reserve Bubba Thompson also takes a step forward. Catcher prospect Sam Huff could also factor into the equation.

Some potential impact veteran hitters that are still on the free agent market include Brandon Belt, Evan Longoria, Nelson Cruz, Andrew McCutchen, Trey Mancini, Luke Voit, AJ Pollock, David Peralta, Tyler Naquin, Dominic Smith. Adding any of those guys would likely be an upgrade over Miller, Taveras and Smith.

This team hit 198 home runs last season (8th-most) and also had 128 stolen bases (best), but had a .301 on-base percentage (6th-worst). They’ll need to improve in that regard and target on-base specialists in free agency or the minors to improve in that regard. I expect them to add at least one of the aforementioned veterans, as Texas should be regarded as an exciting free agent destination now.

Best Futures To Target

As it currently stands, this is a team built for success. After making much-needed starting pitching improvements, this squad also has a ton of pop in their lineup and should continue to produce plenty of runs in 2023.

The AL West is one of the best divisions in baseball and the World Series champion Astros should be a formidable opponent yet again, as will the Mariners, who made some noise by making the playoffs last year. Shohei Ohtani, Mike Trout and the Angels could also take a step forward based on some of their offseason moves as well. All of those teams will beat up on the Athletics, but based on all of the elite competition in the division, I would stay away from Texas’ 10/1 odds to win it. 

Instead, I think it makes a ton of sense to back this team as a sleeper to win the AL Pennant at 25/1 or even the World Series at 50/1 right now given the postseason format. With the current roster under Bochy and more presumed personnel improvements, I think the price is right.

Want to tail me? Back the Rangers risk-free at BetMGM right now!