How they were built: Rangers

MLBPipeline.com is breaking down how each of the playoff teams was built, looking at the composition of projected Division Series rosters.

After sneaking into the postseason during the final series of the regular season last year, the Texas Rangers left little doubt about their postseason chances in 2016, as they led the division for the final 126 days of the regular season en route to winning their second straight American League West Division title.

Overview The architects NATIONAL LEAGUE Chicago Cubs Los Angeles Dodgers New York Mets San Francisco Giants Washington Nationals AMERICAN LEAGUE Baltimore Orioles Boston Red Sox Cleveland Indians Texas Rangers Toronto Blue Jays

The Rangers finished with an AL-best 95-67 record, thanks largely to a 54-36 first half and a .654 winning percentage at home, to secure home-field advantage for the duration of the postseason. The club posted a winning record in all but one month, and claimed 47 victories within the division, tallying 15 wins against Houston, 12 against Seattle and 10 apiece versus the A’s and Angels.

Though the Rangers once again were beset with injuries in 2016, with Shin-Soo Choo, Yu Darvish and Prince Fielder spending a combined 267 days on the disabled list, the club had a slew of players step up in their absences, which set the stage for Texas to add several key pieces at the non-waiver Trade Deadline. Meanwhile, the Rangers demonstrated a season-long flair for the dramatic by coming from behind to win on 49 occasions, highlighted by eight walk-off wins.

“I think the culture of the team, thanks to the leadership of [manager Jeff Banister], his staff and our veteran players, really played a big part in our success this year, and also in a lot of the individual success we had,” said Rangers president of baseball operations and general manager Jon Daniels.

“There’s a unique accountability and chemistry that goes on with the guys pushing each other and holding each other to higher standards, and everyone wants to do their part.”

Here’s a look at how each player on the Rangers’ projected Division Series roster was initially acquired during his current stint with the club:

HOMEGROWN

Player, how acquired, year:Alex Claudio, Draft, 2010 (27th) Yu Darvish, Int’l, 2012Keone Kela, Draft, 2012 (12th)Nomar Mazara, Int’l sign, 2011Mitch Moreland, Draft, 2007 (17th)Rougned Odor, Int’l sign, 2011Martin Perez, Intl’ sign, 2007Jurickson Profar, Int’l sign, 2009Ryan Rua, Draft, 2011 (17th)Tanner Scheppers, Draft, 2009 (1st)

Led by Rougned Odor and Nomar Mazara, the Rangers’ 2011 international class proved crucial towards the team’s success this season. Odor, 22, took the next step toward superstardom as he paced the Rangers with 33 home runs and ranked second with 88 RBIs. More important, he only improved as the season played out.

“I think we’re still scratching the surface with Rougie,” said Daniels. “He’s never lacked confidence and he’s always had that unique blend of bat speed and hand-eye ability, so it’s been fun to see him …

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