The Rangers and Dunning avoided arbitration by agreeing to a one-year, $3.325 million contract Thursday, Jon Morosi of MLB Network reports.
Analysis: It was Dunning's first year of arbitration eligibility, so he will receive a well-earned raise. The right-hander collected a 3.70 ERA over 172.2 innings for Texas in 2023, putting up a 140:55 K:BB along the way. Dunning will be a key part of the Rangers' rotation again in 2024, particularly for the first half of the season while the club waits on multiple other starters to get healthy.
Dane Dunning Likely in piggyback role for ALDS
Dunning will not start Game 1 of the ALDS against the Orioles on Saturday as previously expected.
Analysis: The left-handed Andrew Heaney is going to get the call instead, though it might be more of an opener assignment rather than a traditional start as the Rangers try to counter the O's propensity to platoon. Dunning did not pitch in the AL Wild Card Series and will presumably be available in a piggyback relief role Saturday at Baltimore. The 28-year-old right-hander posted a 3.70 ERA, 1.26 WHIP and 140:55 K:BB across 172.2 innings (26 starts, nine relief appearances) during the regular season.
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