Kohei Arihara deserved second season with Texas Rangers

Kohei Arihara was the Texas Rangers‘ biggest offseason acquisition. A solid pitcher in Japan, he had signed a two year contract with Texas, likely serving as a bridge option while they looked to rebuild the roster. However, for just $7.44 million over two years, Arihara was a worthwhile investment, someone that could easily return a great deal of value.

That did not prove to be the case. Instead, the Rangers designated Arihara for assignment on Sunday, clearing a roster spot for the equally disappointing Mike Foltynewicz.

Kohei Arihara deserved a second chance with the Texas Rangers

Arihara was a solid pitcher in Japan before coming stateside. He had posted a respectable 3.74 ERA and a 1.209 WHiP over his 836 innings in Nippon Professional Baseball, striking out 626 batters with 194 walks. While those numbers may not be ace material, it seemed likely that Airhara would be a solid enough back of the rotation arm at the major league level.

His time in Texas began with a great deal of promise. He had an excellent first four outings, posting a 2.21 ERA and a 0.934 WHiP over his 20.1 innings. However, things quickly fell apart, as he allowed 16 runs on 16 hits, including six homers, and nine walks in his next 8.1 innings. Arihara landed on the Injured List due to an aneurysm in his throwing shoulder which likely caused those struggles and needed to be surgically removed.

He returned in September, but his performance was a mixed bag. Arihara was solid enough in his first two outings back, but allowed six runs on eight hits in four innings against the Astros on September 15. That proved to be the final straw as he was designated for assignment.

While one can make a case that Arihara has disappointed, he certainly deserved a longer look with the Rangers. They will have numerous holes in their pitching staff next year, and his strong start before his injury gives hope that he could be a viable major league option. As he is likely to be unclaimed in waivers, leaving the Rangers on the hook for the remainder of his salary, it would not be a surprise for another team to give him a chance.

The Texas Rangers are prepared to let Kohei Arihara walk. Considering how he fared before his shoulder issues, he deserved more of a chance.