The Sunday Read: A look at the field of candidates for the Texas Rangers' 2022 rotation
Much will depend on if the team is able to acquire a veteran starting pitcher once the MLB lockout ends.
If nothing else, the MLB lockout has given Texas Rangers executives plenty of time to plan for the 2022 season, whenever it starts.
They’ve probably had too much time to address the questions they have just about everywhere, but especially in the starting rotation.
What else is new?
It’s not so much a question of who, but when and how much. The Rangers have several promising arms in the organization, some more ready for MLB duty than others, but the pitchers are facing innings limits and also wouldn’t hurt to have some extra time in the minor leagues to continue developing.
The Rangers like the idea of adding a free agent to help keep young pitchers from being rushed, and to also serve as a mentor. The Rangers like what many young pitchers did last season, but aren’t in a rush to anoint anyone as a member of the rotation.
Everything will begin to work itself out at spring training, whenever that starts. But, much like last season, the rotation could be an evolving unit throughout the season.
Below is a look at which pitchers could be part of that process.