Former top prospect Taylor Guerrieri is getting another chance at the major leagues, as the Texas Rangers have brought him to the majors.
Once upon a time, Taylor Guerrieri was expected to be the next ace of the Tampa Bay Rays. The 24th overall selection in the 2011 MLB Draft, he was a consensus top 100 prospect prior to the 2012 and 2013 seasons, and seemingly had a bright future ahead of himself. However, injuries and drug suspensions derailed his career, with the Rays placing him on waivers after the 2017 campaign.
Guerrieri did finally make his major league debut in 2018, albeit with the Blue Jays. He made nine appearances as a reliever, allowing five runs on nine hits and four walks over his 9.2 innings, striking out eight batters. While it was not a terrible showing, Guerrieri no longer looked like the type of pitcher he was expected to become.
A free agent after the season, Guerrieri signed a minor league contract with the Texas Rangers. Assigned to AAA, Guerrieri served as a long reliever/spot starter with the Nashville Sounds. There, he posted a 3.47 ERA and a 1.404 WHiP, striking out 39 batters with 15 walks over 36.1 innings.
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While those numbers may not be stellar, they were enough to draw the Rangers interest. With Jesse Biddle being placed on the Injured List due to shoulder fatigue, and the Rangers in need of another arm in the bullpen, Guerrieri has gotten that call to the majors once again.
Although it seems as though Guerrieri had been a top prospect a long time ago, he is just 26 years old. There is still time for him to make an impact at the major league level. Even though he will not be that top of the rotation arm that the Rays had hoped for, he could still turn into a solid relief option.
That has to be the hope for the Rangers. Although they have been one of the more surprising teams this season, they are still looking for long term options for their pitching staff. Guerrieri, who would be just about to enter his hypothetical prime, could be a future piece for the bullpen.
First, the Texas Rangers need to see if Taylor Guerrieri can be a viable major league option. He is getting another chance to prove himself.