The Texas Rangers were expected to be better during the 2023 season.
They had certainly spent a great deal of money to improve. After drastically upgrading the lineup last season, the Rangers focused on the pitching staff. Jacob deGrom, Andrew Heaney, Nathan Eovaldi, and Jake Odorizzi were all brought in to upgrade the rotation and bring the Rangers closer to contention. Their rebuild appeared to be on the verge of ending, although they found themselves in what was expected to be a tough division.
Texas Rangers could be force in AL West
Suffice to say that rebuild is working out just fine. The Rangers hold a 20-13 record heading into Monday, just the eighth time in franchise history that they have won 20 of their first 33 games. This is also the first time that the Rangers have won 20 or more games in that time frame since 2013. The Rangers won 91 games that year, barely missing the postseason.
The Rangers have been getting it done at the plate as well. Their 16-8 victory over the Angels on Sunday gives them 221 runs thus far, a franchise record for the most runs in their first 33 games. Three series wins over AL West teams has helped them to an early lead in the division. The Rangers are in a great spot at present.
Will that continue? That is the question. Virtually the entire lineup is firing on all cylinders right now. The pitching staff is missing deGrom and Odorizzi but has been able to overcome those losses thus far. The question is whether or not the Rangers can continue to perform at this level. If they can, it could be a fun summer in Arlington.
The Texas Rangers are off to one of the best starts in franchise history. They are serving notice that they will be a factor this year.
NO NOT THE ANGLES