Texas Rangers 2025 Spring Training Thread

[saddles]

From Shawn McFarland:

Wyatt Langford has a mild oblique strain and will be out 5-7 days, per Bruce Bochy.

 

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I asked Jared Sandler about Evan Carter not playing. He said Bochy has already said that Carter will hit leadoff tomorrow.

 

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Sandler also said there is a rule that you have to have 4 everyday roster guys in the lineup in ST games and that that is the reason some may not be playing today, so they can have 4 tomorrow. I didn't know that was a rule.

 

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Sandler thinks Sam Haggerty has a good chance of making the team as a bench player. He also expects Jesse Chavez to make the team and wouldn't be surprised if Chargois makes the team as well. I think right now he sees Rocker starting out at Triple A.

 

[Duane1952]

Sandler thinks Sam Haggerty has a good chance of making the team as a bench player. He also expects Jesse Chavez to make the team and wouldn't be surprised if Chargois makes the team as well. I think right now he sees Rocker starting out at Triple A.

Not surprised, he’s going to play veterans over younger players. No matter how bad the veterans are. Just waiting for him to name Leody has the everyday starting CF.

 

[saddles]

Not surprised, he’s going to play veterans over younger players. No matter how bad the veterans are. Just waiting for him to name Leody has the everyday starting CF.

I think Sandler has an easier time thinking those two guy start out in the bullpen than he would if he was sitting down and had to write out every option with a big league contract and then form an 8 man bullpen. Unless there are injuries, I don't think both of those guys will fit. As much bullpen depth as we have, it would not make any sense to keep Chavez without 2 or 3 injuries to bullpen guys this spring.

 

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From Shawn McFarland:

Tomorrow's scheduled pitching rotation for Rangers/Giants:

Tyler Mahle
Jack Leiter
Jacob Webb
Daniel Robert
Cole Winn
Matt Festa
JT Chargois

 

[saddles]

Sandler believes Luke Jackson will be the closer to begin the season.

 

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From Shawn McFarland:

In other Rangers injury news, LHP Kohl Drake (stiff back) and RHP David Buchanan (ankle) are both “doing well” per Bruce Bochy.

 

[saddles]

From Baseball America’s article about 30 MLB Prospects Facing Critical Seasons in 2025:

Texas Rangers​

Jack Leiter, RHP

Brock Porter was another option here and shares some symmetry with Lesko as a 2022 prep arm who has lost his way. However, Leiter’s pedigree as the second overall pick in 2021, overall volatility and proximity to the majors can’t be ignored. Leiter’s development has felt like a highwire act navigating periods of excellence and futility. He made some meaningful changes simplifying and smoothing out his delivery in 2024 that led to far more success in Triple-A. But he’s still not a precise strike-thrower, and big league hitters demolished his fastball, even despite its premium velocity and extension. Scouts also questioned whether Leiter has a third pitch with the crispness and quality late life to sow doubts into the mind of big league hitters. Leiter will need to develop another counter to work his way into a crowded Rangers rotation mix. If he doesn’t, he could end up in the bullpen.

 

[Uncle Siggy]

From Baseball America’s article about 30 MLB Prospects Facing Critical Seasons in 2025:

Texas Rangers​

Jack Leiter, RHP

Brock Porter was another option here and shares some symmetry with Lesko as a 2022 prep arm who has lost his way. However, Leiter’s pedigree as the second overall pick in 2021, overall volatility and proximity to the majors can’t be ignored. Leiter’s development has felt like a highwire act navigating periods of excellence and futility. He made some meaningful changes simplifying and smoothing out his delivery in 2024 that led to far more success in Triple-A. But he’s still not a precise strike-thrower, and big league hitters demolished his fastball, even despite its premium velocity and extension. Scouts also questioned whether Leiter has a third pitch with the crispness and quality late life to sow doubts into the mind of big league hitters. Leiter will need to develop another counter to work his way into a crowded Rangers rotation mix. If he doesn’t, he could end up in the bullpen.

I think I read he's been working on a 2 seam over the winter...

 

[saddles]

One other thing Jarded Sandler said today was that he things the Astros will finish behind the A's in the division.

 

[Duane1952]

From Baseball America’s article about 30 MLB Prospects Facing Critical Seasons in 2025:

Texas Rangers​

Jack Leiter, RHP

Brock Porter was another option here and shares some symmetry with Lesko as a 2022 prep arm who has lost his way. However, Leiter’s pedigree as the second overall pick in 2021, overall volatility and proximity to the majors can’t be ignored. Leiter’s development has felt like a highwire act navigating periods of excellence and futility. He made some meaningful changes simplifying and smoothing out his delivery in 2024 that led to far more success in Triple-A. But he’s still not a precise strike-thrower, and big league hitters demolished his fastball, even despite its premium velocity and extension. Scouts also questioned whether Leiter has a third pitch with the crispness and quality late life to sow doubts into the mind of big league hitters. Leiter will need to develop another counter to work his way into a crowded Rangers rotation mix. If he doesn’t, he could end up in the bullpen.

Lester is a bust so far. He was the second player taken in the 2021 draft. He should already have been starting at MLB level.

 

[Duane1952]

Sandler believes Luke Jackson will be the closer to begin the season.

So the guy that had a 5.09 era and no saves is going to be the closer. Disaster waiting to happen.

 

[Senator_fan]

Crim 1-1 and a run scored.

 

[saddles]

So the guy that had a 5.09 era and no saves is going to be the closer. Disaster waiting to happen.

Well, that is just Jared's guess.

 

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From Jared Sandler:

Sam Haggerty has slashed .263/.355/.452/.807 in his career vs. LHP. On a team that might need a platoon option vs. LHP, he's worth considering.

He can play all three OF positions and also has experience at 1B, 2B, and 3B, plus he's a good runner.

 

[saddles]

Jankowski to the Cubs.

 

[saddles]

As usual, Blaine Crim got a hit today.