Texas Rangers: Options to Fill 1B Void

After the sudden retirement of Prince Fielder along with losing Gold Glover Mitch Moreland, the Rangers are left with a void to fill at first base.

The Texas Rangers had the best record in the American League last season, and to repeat that mark they must remain wholesome. As of now, they are greatly lacking in terms of quality talent at first base. The current listed first baseman, Ryan Rua, is a 26-year-old outfielder that has played 35 career games at first base. Even if they bring back Carlos Gomez the Rangers are still pretty thin in the outfield department. There is no logical possibility to think that they could afford to allow a below average left fielder transition to a below average first baseman. Sure, they could attempt to permanently move Rua to first, bringing in other outfielders. However, that is not the route they should take.

One possibility is to go the route the Colorado Rockies did with Ian Desmond. Desmond, who was a shortstop turned outfielder, is listed as Colorado’s first baseman for the time being. In case you were wondering, Ian Desmond has never played a game at first base in his life. However, first base is arguably the easiest position to learn, thus his athleticism will get him by. The Rangers can take that approach and they can gamble on an out of position player to transition to first.

Or the Rangers could go with a traditional first baseman. Veterans such as Ryan Howard are in the market, however that agreement seems unlikely with Howard’s downfall. Outside of Howard, there are options outside of declining veterans. The Rangers likely would attempt to sign a guy, but a trade for a first baseman is also a possibility. We will take a look at three different routes the Rangers can take, and different guys that can help them return to the postseason.