I see a collection of Rangers fans complaining that the Rangers are historically bad. They have no major leaguers, and their minor leagues are a mess. Those fans are 1. Not paying attention to the minors and 2. Don’t know a whole lot about Rangers history.
The Rangers went through a bad stretch from 2003 through 2008, where they only accomplished one winning season. 2017 through 2022 is worse though. Much worse. With that I agree.
Jon Daniels, according to sources, was going to resign at the end of the season, so the firing was kind of a moot point. He was out either way.
Lets look back at history and see where the Rangers are now compared to the 2009-2012 Rangers.
The Big Trade
In 2007 at the trade deadline, Texas dealt Mark Teixeria and Ron Mahay to the Braves for Jarrod Saltalamacchia, Elvis Andrus, Neftali Feliz, Matt Harrison and Beau Jones. That trade sparked a team that made back to back World Series in 2010 and 2011.
The Rangers are past the big trade point in there rebuild, but they made a lot of little trades that have the chance to pay off.
The Joey Gallo return of Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran, Glenn Otto and Trevor Hauver is a downright steal. Gallo batted .159 for the Yankees, and three of the four players mentioned have made their Major League Debut for the Rangers.
The Rangers also traded Kyle Gibson to the Phillies for Spencer Howard, Kevin Gowdy and Josh Gessne. Howard has the chance to be good.
In 2017, the off-loaded Yu Darvish to the Dodgers for Willie Calhoun and one A.J. Alexy (along with Brendon Davis). Alexy has had some success at the major league level made his debut in 2021.
In 2018 as part of a three team trade, the Rangers acquired among others Eli White and one Brock Burke, both of whom either had or were having breakout seasons in 2022. They also picked up Taylor Hearn from the Pirates for Keone Kela.
In 2019, They picked up Nick Solak and Adolis Garcia in trades. While not all of these players worked out, you can see they have been scouting pretty decently
2020 brought Ryder Ryan, Dustin Harris, Dane Dunning and Avery Weems as well as Nathaniel Lowe. Two everyday players that came via trade.
in 2021 they picked up Jonah Heim and Dane Aker.
Free agent signings and draft picks such as Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker among many others means that this team has a top 10 minor league system.
So Where Are They Now
Even thought Chris Young says the plan is to compete in 2023, I see them as one more year away. They have their infield set (If Josh Jung stays healthy) and they have a very speedy outfield. They need pitching. I wrote earlier in the week my idea of the opening day rotation in 2023.
The Rangers should win 85 games in 2023 and finally have a winning season. They should compete, just not for the World Series. I see 2023 as an equivalent to the 2009 Rangers, who won 87 games and was in the post season hunt for most of the season.
If Texas can do that, I will be pleased in 2023. If they can’t, well, we shall have a lot more to talk about next off-season.
