The Texas Rangers went all in last season. Two of the best pitchers of their generation, Jacob deGrom and Max Scherzer, were signed; the former on a five-year contract and the latter via trade deadline deal.
These were the main actions that cemented the Rangers’ place at the “big boy table,” lending credibility to their march toward a deep postseason run.
Surprisingly, neither pitcher made much of an impact on a season in which Texas won its first World Series ring. While deGrom only made six starts before requiring Tommy John surgery, Scherzer’s post-trade starts were either flaming hot or icy cold.
After winning it all, Arlington, Texas’s morale is at an all-time high. The reigning champs have virtually retained the same lineup that won the World Series last year, and they have already signed free agency starter Tyler Mahle to a two-year contract.
The problem is that Mahle is still healing from Tommy John surgery. The right-hander is not scheduled to return until the All-Star break in 2024.
Max Scherzer’s Injury Update Is Yet Another Blow
Scherzer underwent surgery to treat a herniated disc in his back on Friday, it was confirmed. The living legend will now be out until June or July. The blows to Texas keep coming.
This is the latest setback to the Rangers’ rotation. The club will now start the season without three of its five seasoned pitchers: deGrom, Mahle, and Scherzer.
Max Scherzer underwent surgery for a herniated disc yesterday and will now be out until the middle of the season in 2024, per GM Chris Young.
He now joins Jacob deGrom and newly-added Tyler Mahle as pitchers on the Rangers roster expected to miss the first few months. pic.twitter.com/AeogtVK5HV
— Just Baseball (@JustBB_Media) December 15, 2023
When the Rangers acquired Scherzer, the agreement hinged on his willingness to accept his 2024 player option. Initially, the team had counted on him to anchor their pitching rotation for the entire year, but now, he’s slated to miss half of the games.
It’s worth noting that the right-handed pitcher has grappled with back issues before. Earlier, he had to exit Game 3 of the recent World Series due to spasms. Subsequently, he was removed from the team’s roster for the following game and had to witness their championship win from the sidelines.
The Rangers boast a formidable quartet in their starting rotation with Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney, and Dane Dunning. However, concerns arise when considering the fifth spot.
The team currently faces a situation where several top arms are simultaneously on the injured list, leaving Texas with limited pitching depth and vulnerabilities in their rotation.
The Waiting Period
The Rangers find themselves in a somewhat uncertain phase during the first half of the 2024 season. Both Mahle and Scherzer are expected to return around the same time, with deGrom potentially making a later comeback.
Maintaining a competitive position before these key players return becomes crucial for the team. To bolster their roster, ownership might consider diving back into the free-agent market. Several notable starting pitchers remain available, such as Jordan Montgomery, Clayton Kershaw, or Marcus Stroman.
Additionally, the trade market is likely to be active in the coming weeks. While Tyler Glasnow is no longer an option, pitchers like Dylan Cease, Corbin Burnes, and Shane Bieber have been subjects of trade talks this offseason. According to The Athletic’s Ken Rosenthal, the Rangers are potential suitors for Cease and Kershaw.
Internally, there are options to fill the starting rotation, including Cody Bradford, Owen White, Cole Winn, and Zak Kent—all currently on the 40-man roster. Nonetheless, the team’s lack of depth could pose a challenge if no reinforcements are brought in.
At this juncture, the team faces a decision: make significant moves or risk a setback. Despite the team’s recent World Series win showcasing their talent, the absence of several key players necessitates a bold move to ensure they don’t veer off course.
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