What to Expect from Rangers Starting Pitcher Owen White

After a rash of injuries to the Rangers’ pitching staff, young right-hander Owen White will reportedly get his first taste of the Majors. With the 23-year-old seemingly poised to make his MLB debut, here’s a look at what Rangers fans can expect from White.

A Look at White

Rangers right-handed pitching prospect Owen White is one of several high-rated young arms in the Texas farm system. A second-round pick by Texas in 2018, it took the 23-year-old three years to make his pro debut thanks to UCL reconstruction surgery and the COVID shutdowns — but it was worth the wait for the Rangers.

White struck out 56 over his first 35.1 IP in 2021, before a dominant 2022 season that saw the right-hander record 104 punchouts, an improved walk rate of 2.58 BB/9, and a 3.59 ERA over 80.1 IP.

In Frisco (AA) this year, White’s numbers have been rather peculiar. Despite a 3.54 ERA that could be attributed to a low BABIP (.250), White’s walk rate jumped up to 3.71 and his K/9 rate dipped to 7.59.

Per MLB.com, White’s fastball can sit in the mid-90s and profiles as best pitch. On top of that weapon, the 23-year-old makes use of a changeup, curveball, and a “sweeper” slider. All of his pitches can get outs, particularly his buckling curveball with good drop and his slider with later break to the glove side. Command can be an issue for White, but he does have the weapons to be an effective starter at the MLB level.

The 23-year-old is part of a strong system that includes the likes of Brock Porter, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker. White’s callup has not been confirmed as of this writing, but has been reported by multiple outlets. The North Carolina native will be moved up along with Cody Bradford, the latter of whom will start against the Angels to replace a scratched Jon Gray on June 13. Gray is reportedly dealing with a blister issue, so this callup for White may very well be a short-lived one.

A Look at the Rangers Rotation and Fantasy Outlook

When the Rangers officially lost ace Jacob deGrom for the remainder of 2023 season last week, it’s hard to argue that the injury was not a massive blow to the team’s rotation. However, both Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray have been impressive this season, as has Dane Dunning in deGrom’s absence. The same, however, can’t be said for Martín Pérez and Andrew Heaney, both of whom have struggled as of late.

The 23-year-old will play a key role in the Rangers’ future soon. Even though Texas did splurge extensively on arms in each of the past two seasons, no pitcher on this staff aside from deGrom and Dunning — the latter of whom will enter arbitration for the first time next season — are locked up past 2025. Pérez and Heaney are set to enter free agency after this season, although the latter can exercise a player option for the 2024 season this fall.

Given that, White will likely slot into the Rangers rotation in the near future — but that might not happen just yet. If or when White does enter the rotation in Texas, he’s worth keeping an eye on. The 23-year-old boasts impressive stuff, but his command is a question mark that will dog him until he proves otherwise.