Taylor Hearn

Hearn missed out on an Opening Day roster spot in 2020, but he served as a late reliever for most of the season. He posted a solid 3.63 ERA over 14 appearances last year, and he had a 4.25 SIERA that suggested somewhat sustainable production. He displayed his above-average 95.0 mph average fastball velocity, and it translated to a 30.3 K% while he limited meaningful contact with a 4.9% barrel rate. While batters struggled to make hard contact on a regular basis, the southpaw posted an unimpressive 26.8 GB% that could pose problems over a larger sample. Hearn was in consideration for a back-end starting role, but he never entered the rotation during the shortened season. He could compete for a rotation spot once again, but he should also enter the year as one of the Rangers' top left-handed relief options. However, he's unlikely to pitch in many high-leverage situations, which hinders his fantasy value.

Hearn made 24 starts at the Double-A level in the Pirates' and Rangers' organizations. His ERA was nearly two runs lower in the Pirates' system, but his peripherals were very similar. For the season as a whole, he struck out 26.2% of opposing hitters while walking 8.8%, resulting in a 3.45 FIP that almost exactly matched his 3.49 ERA. If he maxes out, Hearn could be a mid-rotation starter with a repertoire that includes a fastball that can hit 97 mph and an above-average slider. Command and changeup development are questions for the lefty, however, as they are for so many young pitchers. A move to the bullpen could make him an interesting weapon as a classic fastball/slider high-leverage option. Hearn was added to the 40-man roster in November, so it's possible he debuts at some point later this year.