2020 Texas Rangers Preview: Projected rotation, starting lineup, prospects, win total
SportsLine's John Bollman went 14-1 on his MLB win total bets last season. Here he previews the Rangers and tells you whether to go Over or Under 79 wins.
Texas Rangers
2019 record: 78-84
Record in one-run games: 25-21
O/U win total from Willam Hill: 79
Key Additions: Corey Kluber, Greg Bird, Matt Duffy, Robinson Chirinos, Kyle Gibson, Jordan Lyles, Todd Frazier
Key Losses: Emmanuel Clase, Shawn Kelley, Logan Forsythe
The Rangers went for it this offseason after significantly improving from where they were in the previous campaign. They are looking to make that next step to playoff contender status, and the Rangers acquired Corey Kluber and Kyle Gibson to do it. Texas did lose Shawn Kelley and traded Emmanuel Clase, so they will be looking for Jose Leclerc to prove he can be a reliable closer.
Projected Rotation
1) Corey Kluber
2) Lance Lynn
3) Mike Minor
4) Kyle Gibson
5) Jordan Lyles
This will look like a pretty solid starting rotation if Lynn, Minor, Gibson, and Lyles are able to repeat their 2019 performances. Corey Kluber was hurt, so he is a big question mark as well. They have some depth in Ariel Jurado and Kolby Allard, but the Rangers really don't have anyone after that.
Fantasy-relevant relievers
Jose Leclerc (projected 34 saves, 4.0 ERA)
Major League-ready prospects
None
Projected Lineup
1) Shin Soo Choo
2) Elvis Andrus
3) Joey Gallo
4) Willie Calhoun
5) Danny Santana
6) Ronald Guzman
7) Robinson Chirinos
8) Todd Frazier
9) Rougned Odor
This was one of the better hitting teams in 2019, and if it weren't for a couple key injuries, they may have been a lot higher. The Rangers added depth guys in Todd Frazier and Robinson Chirinos. They also signed guys like Matt Duffy and Greg Bird in case they need more help at the corners.
Key bench players
Nick Solak, Greg Bird, Jeff Mathis
Should you go Over or Under on the Rangers' regular-season win total? And what are the top win total plays you can make for 2020? ... Join SportsLine right now to see John Bollman's MLB win total picks, all from the former Blue Jays front-office employee who went 14-1 last year!