*Photo from the Star Tribune*
Here's some potentially interesting rotation help. The Texas Rangers and RHP Tyler Mahle have agreed to a two year, $22 million contract, according to ESPN's Jeff Passan. The Rangers have confirmed the addition.
Mahle's contract is very backloaded, as he's set to earn $5.5 million in 2024 and $16.5 million in 2025. In May, Mahle underwent Tommy John Surgery, so he'll miss most if not all of 2024 as he recovers. Mahle presents as an interesting upside option for the Rangers to plug into the back of their rotation.
Over 5 starts with the Minnesota Twins last season, Mahle looked like he was heading for a promising season. He had a 3.16 ERA, 4.19 FIP, and 1.052 WHIP, averaging 9.8 strikeouts per 9 innings over 25 2/3 innings before eventually undergoing Tommy John Surgery.
The 2022 season was Mahle's last full season, spent with both the Cincinnati Reds and the Twins following a trade. He posted a 4.40 ERA, 3.87 FIP, and 1.218 WHIP over 120 2/3 innings and 23 starts between both teams.
Across 7 seasons in the majors since debuting in 2017, Mahle has only played for the Reds and Twins. He has a 4.30 ERA, 1.304 WHIP, and 4.27 FIP to his name, averaging 9.6 strikeouts per 9 over 122 starts, one relief appearance, and 635 2/3 innings. Mahle has not appeared in the postseason in his career.
Mahle does have an injury history, with his 180 innings in a breakout 2021 campaign being the only time he has eclipsed 130 innings in a season. Between 2020 and 2021, Mahle had a 3.72 ERA and 127 ERA+, ranking 9th among NL pitchers in strikeouts in 2021 when he had 210.
The Rangers project to have a rotation of Nathan Eovaldi, Andrew Heaney, Jon Gray, and Dane Dunning to open the year, with Max Scherzer out until midseason following surgery. Jacob deGrom and Mahle are also expected back during the season. The 5th spot is still up for grabs in the rotation.
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