28. Texas Rangers
Starting 5: Gray – Perez – Dunning – Hearn – Howard
The Rangers went out and spent half a billion dollars on a new middle infield, thought it could be all for naught given their considerable pitching woes. After circulating in trade rumors all of last season, the Rangers came to an agreement with former Rockies hurler Jon Gray on a four-year deal. Gray spent seven years in Colorado, and the Rangers hope a move away from Coors Field will help lower his career 4.59 ERA — though Gray’s career splits are shockingly more favorable at home (4.54) than on the road (4.65).
In the absence of proven talent, the Rangers have two former top prospects forming the back of their rotation — Dane Dunning and Spencer Howard. Dunning — a first-round pick of the Nationals — and Howard — a second-round pick of the Phillies — are both in their mid 20’s and have previously exhibited Major League stuff. The Rangers would be ecstatic if each can return to form.
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