As pitchers and catchers reported to Surprise, Arizona, for the start of camp, the Texas Rangers are emphasizing the importance of rotation depth for the upcoming 2024 season. With key pitchers like Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle out until the summer due to injuries, the Rangers are looking for reliable arms to fill the void.

Rangers general manager Chris Young, a former pitcher himself, believes strongly in the old adage: "You can never have too much starting pitching." With that in mind, the team is actively working to ensure they have plenty of options coming out of camp.

The current rotation is led by Nathan Eovaldi, with Jon Gray, Dane Dunning, and Andrew Heaney filling in the other spots. However, the fifth starter position is still up for grabs, with second-year lefty Cody Bradford as the primary candidate but not locked in yet.

"We're gonna have to have guys step up," Eovaldi said. "We've got guys who can start for us and we'll be able to fill that void. Again, we're gonna have really big arms coming in that second half, we're just gonna have to go out there and continue to do our job and have good, quality starts."

While there are depth options behind the starting five, there are still concerns about the quality of innings they can provide throughout the regular season. The Rangers have brought in experienced pitchers Danny Duffy and Jose Ureña on Minor League deals, who could potentially earn spots on the roster. In addition, prospects Owen White, Cole Winn, and Zak Kent, all part of the 40-man roster, could be called upon for spot starts if needed.

"We understand that there's a first half of the season and that we were going to need to have some depth there, too," Young explained. "We're making sure that we have those options coming out of camp, and I think there's a great opportunity for some of our young players to really establish themselves as options for us. We're looking forward to seeing those guys in camp and seeing what they can do and seeing how close they are to being Major League options."

Despite the challenges the Rangers face heading into the 2024 season, the team remains confident in their ability to compete for another World Series title. The players understand the need to turn the page and focus on the future, while still cherishing the memorable moments of their historic 2023 season.

"We have to keep our eyes forward, I think it's gonna be important," Gray emphasized. "I think the guys in here are going to be doing a great job of that. So I think we're all looking forward to what we have in the season coming up and we can work on getting better and how we can become a better team. So I think that's gonna carry us."

As Spring Training progresses, the Rangers will continue to evaluate their rotation options and work towards building a pitching staff capable of competing at the highest level. With a strong focus on depth and development, the team is determined to overcome the challenges ahead and position themselves for another successful season on the diamond.