After winning the World Series, now the Texas Rangers must find a way to return to MLB’s biggest stage again next season. A year ago, the Rangers formed a deep pitching staff that helped them keep arms fresh down the stretch.
But the front office also knows maintaining that depth won’t be easy heading into 2024. For one, Jacob deGrom is recovering from Tommy John surgery and will miss at least the first few months of the regular season.
Knowing this, the Rangers have tried to get out ahead of the issue by adding Tyler Mahle on a two-year, $22 million deal. Yet, Mahle is in the same boat, recovering from Tommy John, and also won’t be able to help the Rangers at the start of the season.
There’s always the possibility of bringing Jordan Montgomery back, who remains available in free agency, but there’s a bigger name lurking on the open market.
According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal’s sources close to the Rangers, signing former MVP and three-time Cy Young winning pitcher Clayton Kershaw remains “very much” in play.
However, not even adding Kershaw will help Texas at the start of the year either, as he too is coming off shoulder surgery and may not be available until May.
Still, that hasn’t prevented Texas from looking into adding the World Series winner to their staff anyway.
Just like last year, the goal remains to return to the World Series, and Texas knows having a deep pitching staff will give them a strong chance.