The Texas Rangers won it all for the first time in 2023 and much of their success can be attributed to several key pickups over the last two winters. So, what did the Rangers do to help their chances to go back-to-back in 2024? Here’s our Rangers offseason recap.
Related: New Baseball Media’s 2023-24 MLB Offseason Recaps
Notable Additions
The Rangers went all-in on free agency over the previous two winters, adding Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Andrew Heaney, Jacob deGrom, and Nathan Eovaldi. With a deep lineup already in tow, it made sense that Texas didn’t go too big this winter.
Texas bolstered the bullpen with David Robertson and Kirby Yates, two relievers who missed plenty of bats in 2023. The Rangers also added pitcher Tyler Mahle, who missed most of 2023 due to Tommy John surgery and will not be available to start 2024.
Additionally, the Rangers re-signed Travis Jankowski, who provided good defense for Texas and played a key role for the team after Adolis Garcia was removed from the World Series roster.
Now, a look at the subtractions part of our Rangers offseason recap.
Notable Subtractions
- RP Matt Bush
- RP Aroldis Chapman
- C/DH Mitch Garver
- OF Robbie Grossman
- C Austin Hedges
- RP Brett Martin
- SP Jordan Montgomery
- RP Will Smith
- RP Chris Stratton
Traditionally, the team that wins the World Series typically sees a fair amount of turnover, whether because of payroll cuts or players seeking a big contract after a strong season.
Texas did see some turnover, although it wasn’t as drastic as it could have been. Because Texas has several young, controllable players, as well as stars that are locked up for the foreseeable future, the losses were limited.
That doesn’t mean Texas didn’t lose key players. Catcher Mitch Garver played a massive role in Texas’ lineup but he joined division rival Seattle in the winter. Reliever Chris Stratton also stayed in the AL, as he signed with the Royals.
However, the most notable loss was Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery struck out 58 over 67.2 IP after he was acquired by St. Louis last summer, walked just 13, and leveraged his sinker/changeup/curve/cutter combo to great success, including in the AL Wild Card round and ALCS.
However, Montgomery was still a free agent as of March 2024.
What to Expect in 2024
Arguably the biggest question surrounding the Rangers in 2024 will be the rotation. Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer won’t be available to start 2024, and the injuries those two have suffered in recent years are numerous. And as previously mentioned, newcomer Tyler Mahle won’t be available, either.
Thus, the question of why the Rangers didn’t — or haven’t to this point — target more starting pitching this winter is a fair one.
Texas made it clear that spending at 2021 and 2022 levels would not happen this year. Add Bally Sports troubles that have affected several teams, and one can see the writing on the wall.
For at least the start of 2024, the likes of Eovaldi, Heaney, Cody Bradford, and Dane Dunning will be leaned upon greatly.