Series Thread: Rangers Host the Twins For Four Games August 15-18

[armadillooutlaw]

From the Bleacher Report's mock draft for 2025:

6. Texas Rangers: RHP Tyler Bremner, UC Santa Barbara

Bremner got knocked around to the tune of a 5.37 ERA during his freshman season, but it was backed by a strong 80-to-17 strikeout-to-walk ratio over 55.1 innings.

The 6'2", 190-pound right-hander took a huge step forward this past spring, moving into the rotation full-time and going 11-1 with a 2.54 ERA, 0.88 WHIP and 104 strikeouts in 88.2 innings.

Bremner's lively upper 90s fastball is backed by a strong changeup/slider combination, and he checks all the boxes to be a top-of-the-rotation starter.

Love it.

 

[saddles]

2025 Spring Training Schedule

 

[saddles]

I might spend around 6-12 million tops on a guy who had the flexibility to work as a multi-inning reliever as well as spot start if there was a run of injuriesto the starting rotation again. Think a Nick Martinez or another Urena. Otherwise, I'd make a big play at upgrading 1B and look for an offensive upgrade at C and RF. Would prefer to do it by trade, but might have to spend it in free agency. The rest goes towards Bullpen. I would LOVE to get Vladdy Jr. to upgrade over Lowe. Not sure how realistic that is.

I wonder if CY is planning on Huff to be the primary catcher for next year. Heim would be a great back up.

 

[armadillooutlaw]

I wonder if CY is planning on Huff to be the primary catcher for next year. Heim would be a great back up.

See, that is what I'd prefer them do, since Huff's both cheap and has seemed to be at least pretty solid offensively in his limited time in the Majors. I know they might not feel the same way for whatever reason, but I've wanted to see Huff get a legitimate chance since 2020.

 

[saddles]

I wonder how the 19-day layoff will affect Leiter tonight.

It would be something to get great starts tonight from Leiter, Rocker and Tiger.

 

[armadillooutlaw]

And another thing- next year let's say Heim got back to hitting well like he did in 2023, you can still use him and Huff together by putting one of them at DH at times, just like they did last year when Heim and Garver were both raking.

 

[armadillooutlaw]

I wonder how the 19-day layoff will affect Leiter tonight.

It would be something to get great starts tonight from Leiter, Rocker and Tiger.

It would be fantastic. Especially if Leiter and Rocker in particular can finish strong. It would be HUGE if those two could factor into the plans at some point in the near future.

 

[saddles]

From Evan Grant:

Nathan Eovaldi’s bullpen on Wednesday went well & he’s on track to start Saturday.

Max Scherzer said he’s “turned a corner,” plans to throw bullpen on Friday

 

[saddles]

 

[saddles]

Marc Church's rehab is over as he returns to Round Rock from Hickory. I hope he starts pitching better than he did while on rehab.

 

[Duane1952]

View attachment 370963

What’s with playing Jankowski in back to back games. He’s terrible with the bat.

 

[saddles]

What’s with playing Jankowski in back to back games. He’s terrible with the bat.

Anybody But Duran

That seems to be the plan.

 

[jaar01]

Why even bring up Duran if you're just going to sit him? Help it make sense. Are Jankowski's platoon splits really that much better?

Jankowski will not be a Ranger next season. Duran likely will unless traded. I just don't understand playing Jankowski so much.

 

[saddles]

The Tigers are promoting Jace Jung to the big leagues.

 

[Kelleyman]

Sportrac is estimating the Rangers to have $93 million AAV to spend before being subject to the competitive balance tax next year. Free agents that are signed, young pre-arbitration players, and arbitration eligible players all have to fit within that figure to avoid the luxury tax. It sounds like Ray Davis does not want to pay that tax again next year

The $143 million they already have tied up includes Eovaldi's $20 million as well as us picking up options on Robertson and Chafin. It also includes deGrom, Seager, Semien, Mahle, Gray, and Garcia, who are all under contract for 2025.

If Eovaldi doesn't get to exercise his option, or decides not to, and if Chafin's option isn't picked up, that adds $26.5 million more to spend. That would bring the total to spend up to $119.5 million AAV. Trading Garcia and/or Lowe could help even more.

If we had $115 million AAV to spend how much would you spend in which area? I gave that figure to save some room for mid-season additions.

Good relievers might cost in the $10 million AAV range. A good starting pitcher might cost $15-18 million. Great ones, might go up to $30-40 million AAV. Same thing for a good or great position player. You might get some decent guys in the $5-10 million AAV range.

How would you spend the money and would you do anything that might add some more salary space?

Ok I want one stud SP (for Eovaldi)and a Lorenzon type that can slot in 4-5. (Even Heaney)
Need to resign Yates and an 8th inning guy
The rest of the pitching I hope to fill from within

Need one bat but I liked Justin Tiurner
Not minding moving Leody
Like to try out Duran daily in RF
Let Adolis DH but if he messes it let him go midseason

id Zeke does not work me may need to find a OF
But money may be too tight then

 

[Kelleyman]

I wonder if CY is planning on Huff to be the primary catcher for next year. Heim would be a great back up.

Pipedream. Probably AAA depth but he may be out of options and once up has to stay up unless injury

 

[Kelleyman]

Why even bring up Duran if you're just going to sit him? Help it make sense. Are Jankowski's platoon splits really that much better?

Jankowski will not be a Ranger next season. Duran likely will unless traded. I just don't understand playing Jankowski so much.

I wish they would play Duran so it makes me think they have not folded their tents yet

 

[WastinSomeTime]

What’s with playing Jankowski in back to back games. He’s terrible with the bat.

I thought the same when I saw the lineup.

 

[saddles]

Pipedream. Probably AAA depth but he may be out of options and once up has to stay up unless injury

He can't even go down to begin the year. We either keep him on the roster out of spring training or get rid of hum.

 

[saddles]

Ok I want one stud SP (for Eovaldi)and a Lorenzon type that can slot in 4-5. (Even Heaney)
Need to resign Yates and an 8th inning guy
The rest of the pitching I hope to fill from within

Need one bat but I liked Justin Tiurner
Not minding moving Leody
Like to try out Duran daily in RF
Let Adolis DH but if he messes it let him go midseason

id Zeke does not work me may need to find a OF
But money may be too tight then

I think your 4 pitchers will cost you $65 million AAV or more and those moves doesn't really improve the pen from this year. The arbitration guys may cost $25 million AAV plus. The pre-arb and the minimum salary guys maybe cost another $15-18 million AAV. That gives you less than $10 million AAV for offense.