The Texas Rangers are facing a pivotal moment in their pitching lineup, and it’s one that could define their season. With a dominant top three starters in place, the hunt for a reliable fifth starter has become the team’s most pressing question. But here’s where it gets intriguing: after securing left-hander MacKenzie Gore in a trade with the Nationals, alongside aces Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi, the Rangers have a formidable trio—but only if health remains on their side. Jack Leiter, once a top prospect, has likely secured the fourth spot after a solid debut season. Yet, the fifth spot remains a mystery, and this is the part most people miss: Texas’ starting rotation led the league with a 3.41 ERA last season, but they’re now tasked with replacing a significant number of innings from departing veterans like Patrick Corbin, Tyler Mahle, and Merrill Kelly.
So, who will step up? Let’s dive into the contenders.
Kumar Rocker: The High-Pedigree Prospect
By all accounts, Rocker should be the frontrunner. Drafted third overall in 2022, the 26-year-old was once ranked among the Rangers’ top prospects, despite a rocky start to his career. After a shoulder injury sidelined him early last season, he returned to post a 4.67 ERA in nine starts, though advanced metrics like his 4.14 xFIP suggest he was better than that number indicates. Rocker hasn’t yet proven himself over an extended period, but he’ll likely get a shot this spring. But here’s the controversial part: is Rocker’s potential enough to justify handing him the fifth spot, or is he still too unproven?
Jacob Latz: The Versatile Underdog
Latz was Texas’ Swiss Army Knife last season, excelling in both starting and relief roles. The 29-year-old lefty posted a stellar 2.84 ERA across 85 2/3 innings, though his xERA and SIERA suggest some regression might be in order. Still, his four-pitch repertoire—including a dominant fastball and a whiff-inducing changeup—makes him a compelling candidate. But here’s where it gets controversial: should the Rangers lock Latz into a starting role, or is his value maximized as a versatile reliever?
The Veterans: Quantrill, Gomber, and Crismatt
The Rangers have also signed Cal Quantrill, Austin Gomber, and Nabil Crismatt to minor league deals, providing depth in case of injuries. Quantrill and Gomber struggled last season, but Crismatt showed promise with a 2.70 ERA in his first six games before faltering. Could one of these veterans surprise everyone and claim the fifth spot, or are they simply placeholders?
Bringing Back Corbin: A Familiar Face
Then there’s Patrick Corbin, whose revival in Texas last season was one of baseball’s feel-good stories. After a disastrous stint in Washington, Corbin posted an ERA under 4.00 through July, though he faded down the stretch. Still, he could be a low-risk, high-reward option if the Rangers decide to bring him back. But is relying on a veteran with a history of inconsistency the right move, or should the team focus on developing younger talent?
As the Rangers weigh their options, one thing is clear: the fifth starter role is more than just a roster spot—it’s a chance to solidify a rotation that could contend for a championship. What do you think? Should the Rangers go with Rocker’s potential, Latz’s versatility, a veteran like Corbin, or someone else entirely? Let us know in the comments!
