ARLINGTON -- The Rangers are close to completing the rebuilding of their bullpen. There could be relievers added on a Minor League contract with an invitation to Spring Training, but, for the most part, the big league club is ready to go to camp with the pitchers it has.
The group includes a young closer who has a chance to be one of the best in the game, a veteran group of right-handed setup relievers and an inexperienced but talented cadre of left-handers.
There could also be some surprises that emerge after pitchers and catchers report to Spring Training on Tuesday, Feb. 12.
Here is what the Rangers' bullpen looks like at this point:
Closer
Manager Chris Woodward named José Leclerc as the closer last month and for good reason. Leclerc did not allow a run in 18 innings while going 12-for-12 in save opportunities over the final two months of the 2018 season. He struck out 29 batters in that stretch after replacing Keone Kela as closer.
Woodward likes the idea of having a proven closer anchoring the bullpen, just as Kenley Jansen did for the Dodgers. Right now, there are at least seven American League clubs which are unsure about their closer, including the World Series champion Red Sox.
Right-handed setup
Chris Martin, signed out of Japan a year ago, had his moments last season, but three trips to the disabled list kept him from getting on an extended roll. The Rangers hope that changes with a full year of health. Veterans Shawn Kelley and Zach McAllister were signed to support him.

Kelley had some issues with the Nationals the previous two seasons, but he has a track record of success and he pitched well down the stretch after being acquired from the Athletics in 2018. He had a 2.16 ERA and a 0.78 WHIP in his last 19 games. McAllister was released by the Indians last season, but he had a 2.99 ERA and a 1.32 WHIP from 2015-17 out of their bullpen. The Rangers need to get him turned around, but McAllister is familiar with pitching coach Julio Rangel from their time together in Cleveland.
Left-handed setup
Jeffrey Springs and C.D. Pelham both had brief looks at the big league level in 2018. Springs, who has a 92-mph fastball and a plus changeup, had a 3.38 ERA in 18 games and struck out 8.7 batters per nine innings. With Pelham, the Rangers are waiting to see how he harnesses a fastball that can touch 100 mph.
Brady Feigl and Kyle Bird have yet to pitch in the Majors, but they both had outstanding seasons at Triple-A. Both hit around 92 with their fastballs and they have plus breaking pitches. Both will get a close look this spring.
Veteran swing men
Jesse Chavez was re-signed this offseason after he was traded to the Cubs in July. He has a long track record of being able to pitch in multiple roles, including as a starter, and he was effective in late innings for the Cubs last season with a 1.15 ERA in his last 32 games.
The Rangers also claimed right-hander Luke Farrell, 27, off waivers from the Cubs. He has been used more as a starter in the Minors, but he has three starts and 27 relief appearances in the Majors.
Don't forget about ...
Right-handers Connor Sadzeck and Nick Gardewine. Rangers fans aren't going to forget about Sadzeck. He is 6-foot-7 and throws 99-100 mph, although his command is a big question mark. He walked 11 in 9 2/3 innings in a short tour with the club in 2018.
Gardewine was a rising reliever in the Rangers' system in 2016-17, but last season was cut short because of a strained right forearm. He is healthy and will compete for a job in Spring Training, but he needs to show the swing-and-miss stuff he did in the Minors. He averaged 12.8 strikeouts per nine innings combined at Double-A and Triple-A in 2016-17.
Rule 5 candidate
Right-hander Jordan Romano, drafted through the White Sox from the Blue Jays' organization, has been a starter for most of his Minor League career, but the Rangers see him as more of a reliever with a 94-96 mph fastball and a sharp slider. This could be one of those seasons when the Rangers are more than willing to carry a Rule 5 pick.
Minor League invites
The most intriguing NRIs are right-handers Jeanmar Gómez, who had 37 saves for the Phillies in 2006, and Michael Tonkin, who has all or parts of five years with the Twins and spent last season in Japan.
Right-handers Tim Dillard, Ariel Hernandez and Taylor Guerrieri, and left-handers Zac Curtis all have a touch of big league experience and they are more likely to be Triple-A depth at best.
Who is out there?
Left-hander Jake Diekman is still unsigned, but it doesn't appear a reunion with the Rangers is likely. The club also doesn't appear enamored with any of the other left-handers still available on the free-agent market.
Premier closer Craig Kimbrel is the most attractive reliever on the market, but he's well beyond what the Rangers are willing to spend.