2024 was an unusual year for the Texas Rangers, with a lot of players underperforming or just regressing. Their title defense did not go as planned, and while some questionable talents may return next season, it is worth considering if they should.
Fans and analysts may recognize a number of Rangers on the roster that meet this description, but these two players will return even if they shouldn’t. Two Texas Rangers who will return next year but may not be the best fit: RHP. Jon Gray
Gray’s finest days are certainly behind him. The righty inked a four-year contract with Texas in 2021 after starting his career with the Colorado Rockies. Despite having a 4.16 ERA
His problems in 2024 reflect a declining scenario over his first three seasons with the Rangers. This past year, the 32-year-old posted a 4.47 ERA over 102.2 innings, but his season was cut short due to a groin injury. The Shawnee native was in the 30th percentile in Barrel% but just the 41st percentile in GB%. Given that his average fastball is about 95 MPH and that he is primarily a two-pitch arm, there is cause to doubt that he will be able to compete as he ages.
"Some of the ones I threw I would hit out myself. So don't give them too much credit."
Jon Gray after allowing eight runs, nine hits and two home runs against the Orioles pic.twitter.com/JQxAUeoodp
— Talkin’ Baseball (@TalkinBaseball_) June 28, 2024
It would be unfair to consider 2024 as the main criterion for Gray’s ability, but he has not had an ERA below 3.70 since 2017. The veteran is a good starter, but he might be a better fit for another club because Texas has younger rotation players they want to use.
The Rangers signed RHP Tyler Mahle to a two-year contract last December.
The 30-year-old made only three starts for Texas in 2024 and hasn’t made more than ten since 2022. Mahle missed the start of the 2024 season as he recovered from ‘Tommy John’ ligament replacement surgery.
Furthermore, he only made three appearances before being shut down. To shoulder stiffness. The California native was not particularly effective when he pitched this season, and while Texas may have expected him to regain his footing, it may be sensible to move him for younger players with a less daunting injury history.
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