Dan Szymborski’s ZiPS projections are a good measure of what to expect from players in the upcoming baseball season. We'll take a look at the Rangers' projections on a position-by-position basis. Szymborski can be found on Twitter at @DSzymborski.
Last season saw the Rangers overhaul their overworked, underperforming bullpen at the trade deadline, and Dyson was a huge part of that, even though it didn't really seem likely he would be. Dyson was the final move Jon Daniels made on deadline day, acquiring him from Miami with literally seconds to spare in exchange for third catcher Tomas Telis. Dyson had been solid in Miami, but he was downright filthy and untouchable in Texas and gave the Rangers a coveted power arm for end-game situations. Dyson was fantastic and even recorded a postseason save.
Dyson: 75 games, 74 innings pitched, 67 strikeouts, 19 walks, 7 home runs, 3.41 ERA, 8.15 K/9 innings, 2.31 BB/9 innings
Dyson could very well elevate himself into the closer's role this year if Shawn Tolleson falters. His unique blend of sink and velocity makes what is essentially a one-pitch arsenal untouchable as he breaks as many bats as he gets strikeouts.
At the very least, he is a crucial part of what might be the best bullpen in the American League, right up there with Kansas City and the newly formed Yankees bullpen.
