Key to Texas Rangers World Series Title Defense

The Texas Rangers could be leaning hard on Nathan Eovaldi and Jon Gray to carry the starting rotation for the first few months on the season.

A lot of factors will go into the title defense for the Texas Rangers. Health is likely at the top of the list.

As spring training approaches this month, a number of key Rangers are on the shelf recovering. World Series MVP Corey Seager (hernia surgery) hopes to be ready for Opening Day. A trio of pitchers – Max Scherzer, Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle – are likely out until the second half of season.

Starting pitching is easily the biggest concern when it comes to health. The rotation to start the season appears to be Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, Andrew Heaney and Cody Bradford. Of course, bringing Jordan Montgomery back would be a huge boost.

MLB.com recently compiled one key number for every team to watch in 2024, with the Rangers’ entry centering around pitching. More specifically, Texas’ key to success this season could be tied the combined starts from Eovaldi and Gray.

Per MLB.com:

It’s possible the defending World Series champions could still re-sign free agent Jordan Montgomery, but if they don’t, the onus is going to be on Eovaldi and Gray to stay healthy and carry the team’s rotation. The Rangers should have one of the best offenses in baseball once again, especially if prospects Evan Carter and Wyatt Langford live up to expectations as rookies. However, Texas’ starting staff could potentially hold back the club from vying for another title. The Rangers are not only without Montgomery but also won’t have Max Scherzer (back surgery) or Jacob deGrom (Tommy John surgery) until midseason at the earliest.

After an All-Star first half, Eovaldi battled injuries down the stretch last season, but still ended up making 25 starts. That was the fourth-highest total in his 13-year career. Gray made 29 starts – tied for the second-most in his nine years.

If the Rangers can get that kind of durability – and production – out of Eovaldi and Gray this season, the club should be in fine shape once the pitching cavalry arrives.

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