Rangers head to camp with Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz battling for the rotation

When you look back, the Texas Rangers are the last team outside of the Los Angeles Dodgers to win a World Series. They hoisted the 2023 World Series trophy, but have had a tough time returning to the postseason since then. 

Injuries and a tough regression kept them out of the postseason in 2024. Last season, the struggles on offense largely kept them from playing October baseball. 

Now, after making some offseason moves, the fanbase is ready to see their team in the postseason this upcoming season. However, the team still has some decisions they need to figure out before things get rolling. 

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Rangers head to camp with Kumar Rocker and Jacob Latz battling for the rotation

One area the Rangers need to figure out is who will be their final starter in the rotation. Fans will see Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, MacKenzie Gore, and Jack Leiter, but the fifth spot is a mystery. 

Bleacher Report's Joel Reuter sees the battle coming down to Jacob Latz and Kumar Rocker. 

"The Rangers broke camp last season with two relative unknowns in Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker penciled into the rotation, so the fact that only one spot is up in the air this spring is progress. Lefty Jacob Latz had a 2.84 ERA in 85.2 innings spanning eight starts and 25 relief appearances last year, and actually pitched better in a starting role with a 2.72 ERA over 39.2 frames. Kumar Rocker still has the pure stuff to force the club's hand, but Latz has earned an extended look in a starting role."

Reuter believes Latz may get the bigger push, but Rocker is still one to watch. Rocker has been limited throughout his MLB career after coming off Tommy John surgery in 2023, and this spring will certainly be one where he will want to lock in.

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