2012 MLB Free Agents: Rangers Targeting Pitching
By Editorial Staff
According to J.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the general consensus is that the Texas Rangers will be making a strong push to add pitching this offseason. While the Rangers are targeting several starters, including their own free agent C.J. Wilson, Texas is also exploring different reliever and closer options as they prepare for the 2012 season.
If the Rangers were to lose Wilson this winter, it would leave a large hole at the top of their rotation. One way or another, Rangers’ general manager Jon Daniels is looking to add one of the top pitchers available. The club is still looking into re-signing Wilson, but Texas has also been exploring possible options via free agency and trade.
Outside of Wilson, one of the top arms linked to Texas has been Roy Oswalt. The 34-year-old calls Mississippi home and has said it would be a bonus if he could land with a team closer to his family. The Rangers can also provide Oswalt with his other desire, the opportunity to compete for a World Series title.
If the Rangers are scared by Oswalt’s back issues and don’t think much of what’s left on the free agent market, they may look to fill out their rotation from within. Nothing has been confirmed, but Texas has at least been toying with the idea of moving closer Neftali Felix into a starting role.
Sullivan says this move may be more attractive to the Rangers due to the plethora of closer options available in free agency. Jonathan Papelbon and Heath Bell, who was rumored to be heading to Texas last summer, top the list, while other options include Francisco Cordero, Matt Capps and Francisco Rodriguez.
Beyond pitching, Sullivan also notes that Daniels could be tempted by free agent first basemen Albert Pujols and Prince Fielder. With so many different ways to go, Sullivan says the Rangers are keeping their options open, making it hard to predict which players they will add this winter.
For more on the Rangers, be sure to check out Nolan Writin’.
You can check out all of the available free agents by position below.