Breaking News: Former Ranger Cole Ragans Shines in All-Star Return to Globe Life Field

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 During All-Star week, Major League Baseball showcased some of the top talents from the first part of the 2024 season. Fans of the Texas Rangers had the pleasure of seeing four of their players — Adolis Garcia, Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Kirby Yates — participate in the festivities. They also saw some familiar foes and one notable former Ranger, Cole Ragans.

Drafted by the Rangers in the first round of 2016, Ragans faced a tough journey through the minor leagues, dealing with injuries and setbacks. He finally made his Major League debut on August 4, 2022, against the Chicago White Sox. Remarkably, he returned to the same mound at Globe Life Field in Arlington on July 16, 2024, to pitch an inning in the All-Star game.

Last season, the Rangers traded Ragans to the Kansas City Royals for Aroldis Chapman, a move that contributed to Texas winning the World Series. However, the trade also meant losing a promising pitcher. Ragans thrived with the Royals, becoming an All-Star and their Opening Day starter in the subsequent season.

Reflecting on his return to Globe Life Field, Ragans said, "A lot of firsts [at Globe Life Field, it’s exciting. got to see the staff. I know them pretty well. It’s good to see those guys. It’s pretty cool.

Corey Seager, one of Ragans' former teammates, was happy to see him again. "It’s good to have him back, that’s for sure," Seager said. "I’m happy for him. He’s pitched really well and done extremely well in his career. So it’s happy to see him here."

Marcus Semien wasn’t surprised by Ragans' success. "He came into Spring Training last year throwing 98, and everybody was looking like, who is this guy?" Semien recalled. He praised Ragans for his hard work and determination, which led to increased velocity and improved performance. While the trade was tough, Semien acknowledged that Ragans had made the most of his opportunity with the Royals.

Since joining the Royals, Ragans has pitched 188.1 innings across 32 starts, boasting a 2.96 ERA. His strikeout rate has significantly improved, while his walk rate and hits allowed per nine innings have decreased. On April 25, he achieved his first career complete game, albeit a rain-shortened one. Ragans has consistently delivered strong performances, going five or more innings in 18 of his 20 starts in 2024. The trade appears to have been beneficial for both teams, considering the Rangers' success in 2023 and the Royals' acquisition of a top-tier starter.

When asked if they kept in touch with Ragans, Seager and Semien both confirmed they did. "We talked to Ragans in Kansas City, [and] they got their rings," Semien shared.  We got Aroldis in the trade, and he was a big part of what we did last year, but we don’t have Aroldis now."

Seager echoed these sentiments, saying, "I liked Cole when he was here, so I’m sad to see him go but happy to see him succeed."

As for Ragans, he has embraced Kansas City and loves everything about it, from the team to the fans. "I love every second of it. I love the team, the city, the fans; everything has been great. It’s been nothing short of awesome," he said.

And on the light-hearted question of which city has the best BBQ, Ragans confidently chose Kansas City. That was the first time I had it, and it was last year," he reminisced with a smile. He enjoys Kansas City BBQ occasionally, mostly indulging at the field.

This All-Star week highlighted not just the talents but also the personal journeys and connections that make baseball a beloved sport.

Image Credit: Getty Images

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