May 22, 2023; Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Dane Dunning (33) delivers a pitch against the Pittsburgh Pirates during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports
While the Texas Rangers haven’t had much luck when it comes to developing starting pitching, there is hope with the likes of the Brock Porter, Jack Leiter and Owen White being ranked among the system’s top eight prospects, per MLB.com.
But there’s another pitcher that doesn’t show up among the top 30 prospects that is turning heads. Anthony Hoopii-Tuionetoa was mentioned in David Laurila’s Sunday Notes column at FanGraphs for his performance in the Arizona Fall League.
A scout told Laurila that Hoopii-Tuionetoa has an arm that makes you think, “OK, that guy is probably going to be in the big leagues.” The scout added this Hoopii-Tuionetoa’s fastball “has got serious life.”
Rangers, Dunning Agree To One-Year Deal
Dane Dunning has agreed on a $3.325 million, one-year deal with the Texas Rangers, according to Jon Morosi of MLB Network.
The right-hander went 12-7 in 35 games, including 26 starts in 2023. Dunning, who turned 29 last month, completed his fourth major league season, his third with the Rangers. He’s expected to be part of the Opening Day rotation, with eventual starters Jacob deGrom, Max Scherzer, and Tyler Mahle all returning from surgery in June or July.
