The Texas Rangers endured a challenging 2024 season, and their starting pitching woes played a significant role. According to Fangraphs, the Rangers ranked 21st in starting pitcher earned run average (ERA) and 22nd in innings pitched by starters. With names like Nathan Eovaldi and Jacob deGrom, more was expected. Heading into 2025, assuming everyone stays healthy, the Rangers could have as many as eight viable options for their starting rotation. So, with that depth, who gets left out?
Last season, the Rangers’ rotation struggled with performance and a lack of run support. Cody Bradford stood out as the best in the rotation, posting a 3.54 ERA in his sophomore season. However, his year was cut short after just 13 starts due to a rib injury sustained in July. Nathan Eovaldi remained solid, keeping his ERA under 4.00 for the fifth consecutive season. Michael Lorenzen also impressed during his limited starts.
On the other hand, some big names fell short. Jon Gray posted a 4.47 ERA before a groin injury ended his season, while Andrew Heaney, though durable, managed only a 4.28 ERA across 32 starts. Dane Dunning, who had a career-best 3.70 ERA in 2023, struggled mightily in 2024 with a career-worst 5.31 ERA.
The bright spots for the Rangers included Jacob deGrom’s successful return from Tommy John surgery, as he posted a sparkling 1.69 ERA over three starts, and Kumar Rocker, who showed potential in 11.2 innings. However, one name stands out for different reasons.
Jack Leiter, the second overall pick in the 2021 draft, has been a subject of concern. Questions arose about his command and ability to succeed in the majors, and the 2024 season didn’t provide definitive answers.
Leiter dominated during his 2021 season at Vanderbilt, earning him his high draft selection. However, his two seasons in Double-A Frisco were inconsistent, as he posted a 5.32 ERA over 174.1 innings while issuing 101 walks—highlighting control issues, particularly with his fastball. Late in the 2023 season, Leiter was promoted to Triple-A Round Rock, where he struggled in his lone outing, giving up eight hits, three earned runs, two walks, and two home runs in just 3.1 innings. Despite that disappointment, Leiter appeared to turn a corner in 2024.
In Triple-A, Leiter posted a 3.51 ERA over 77 innings, showing improved strikeout numbers even as his walks remained a concern. He earned his major league debut on April 18 against the Detroit Tigers, but the results were far from ideal. Leiter allowed seven runs in 3.2 innings, and subsequent appearances didn’t fare much better. Over his next seven outings, Leiter gave up at least two earned runs each time and never brought his ERA below 9.00.
He was optioned back to Triple-A Round Rock on May 15 but returned to the majors on September 2. In his final appearance on September 26 against Oakland, Leiter threw 3.1 scoreless innings. He finished the season with an 8.83 ERA, 1.710 WHIP, and a staggering 11.1 HR/9 over 35.2 innings.
While some of his struggles can be attributed to growing pains, they raise questions about his long-term viability.
Pending any offseason additions, here’s a likely projection for the Rangers’ 2025 rotation:
DeGrom and Eovaldi provide a solid one-two punch. If Bradford, Mahle, and Rocker maintain consistency, the Rangers could have one of the deepest rotations in the league.
Leiter will likely begin the season in the bullpen, where he could thrive as a mid-game reliever if he can regain control. Leiter could also step into the rotation if a starter goes down with an injury. Alternatively, if the front office feels the pitching depth is sufficient, they may opt to give Leiter additional time in the minors to refine his skills.
All in all, Leiter’s rocky start in the majors leaves his future uncertain. Is he experiencing growing pains, or is he at risk of being labeled a bust? A complete 2025 season could provide much-needed clarity.
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