Rangers reportedly considering unconventional option for closer role

The Texas Rangers have excessive hopes for the 2025 season after a disappointing displaying in 2024. Nonetheless, the Rangers even have a number of query marks on their roster as spring coaching approaches.

A type of query marks revolves across the ninth inning. Reliever Chris Martin, who just lately signed a one-year deal to return to Texas, has probably the most closing expertise of any pitcher on the roster with 14 major-league saves. The Rangers bullpen has been fully overhauled however is missing expertise within the ninth inning.

The Rangers could also be contemplating an unconventional choice to take over within the ninth. In line with Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning Information, the Rangers have had inside discussions about shifting pitcher Jon Grey to the nearer function.

Grant did word that the Rangers think about Grey extra priceless within the rotation attributable to his skill to churn out innings. He’s a stabilizing think about a rotation that has damage questions with Jacob deGrom and Tyler Mahle. Likewise, pitchers Kumar Rocker, Jack Leiter and Cody Bradford are hardly confirmed on the major-league degree. 

Grey battled accidents as nicely, as 2024 marked his first full season the place he had fewer than 20 begins and 110 innings. He posted a 4.47 ERA and a 1.31 WHiP in his 102.2 innings, putting out 86 batters with 28 walks. 

Grey did spend time within the bullpen in 2024. Though he made simply 4 appearances spanning seven innings, he carried out nicely sufficient to intrigue the Rangers’ entrance workplace. Grey allowed only one run on 4 hits and two walks in these seven innings, putting out 10. Whereas that’s a particularly small pattern dimension, it is sufficient to put Grey on the radar for the ninth inning.

The choice to maneuver Grey to the nearer function won’t be made in a vacuum. Different pitchers want to indicate that they’re wholesome and able to step up. Ought to that be the case, and Grey continues to carry out nicely in shorter outings, the Rangers could have their nearer in any case.