Predictions Sure to Be Wrong: The Starting Rotation -

As spring training gets under way, I thought I would start by predicting who will make the starting rotation. Starters one and two are set. Kyle Gibson and and Kohei Arihara. The last three spots are up for grabs, and there are veterans and youngsters looking to take the spots.

My prediction changed some today since Taylor Hearn announced he wants to be in the starting rotation. That leaves Hearn, Wes Benjamin, Kyle Cody, Kolby Allard, Dane Dunning and Mike Foltynewicz. So who has the edge? Each pitcher has their upside and downside. Lets start with Foltynewicz.

The veteran in the group, Folty has a record of 44-42 with a 4.33 ERA over his career. 2020 was not kind to him, but he could have a rebound year and make the rotation. Right now he is listed in the starting rotation if you look at the Rangers official depth chart. With Jordan Lyles being moved to the bullpen, that leaves almost a definite spot for Folty, unless he sucks of course.

Dane Dunning was the key player in the Lance Lynn trade, and I believe that he will have a starting spot. The Rangers were big on him and so were the WhiteSox. I am excited to see him during spring training and hope he performs up to the standards we are expecting him to. If he does, he will be a shoe in for that third spot.

The next spot goes between Kyle Cody and Kolby Allard in my estimation. Allard has the leg up right now, but Cody is going to be good competition for Allard. This will be a great competition to watch during spring training. One of my favorite things to do is to keep stats and take notes on the big competitions in the spring. This will be one of the biggest in my opinion. That fifth spot will be a fun one to watch.

Wes Benjamin will be on the outside looking in, I believe. On opening day, here is my prediction sure to go wrong for the Rangers starting rotation: