Texas Rangers interested in Washington Nationals pitchers

The Texas Rangers have contacted Nationals GM Mike Rizzo in expressing their interest for a starting pitcher, according to MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan. The Rangers have inquired and looked into right-handed pitcher Jordan Zimmermann, but Washington is uninterested in dealing the ace as both sides are trying to agree to a long-term contract. The other right-handed pitcher on the market is Doug Fister, who the Nationals would listen on.

Zimmermann, 28, is the more attractive starter than Fister after going 19-9 in 2013 and 14-5 in 2014. He also had a 2.66 ERA along with 182 strikeouts this past year. He also notably pitched a no-hitter on the last game of the 2014 regular season. Fister had an above average year going 16-6 with 98 strikeouts along with a 2.41 ERA in his first season as a Washington National. Both star pitchers are still considered trade candidates as Zimmermann and Fister are free agents after the 2015 season.

Adam Kilgore of the Washington Post learns that Texas is indeed strongly interested in the Washington arms. On the flip side, the Nationals have asked about 20 year-old second baseman Rougned Odor, with the Rangers indicating in fact they are not dealing him. It seems both sides have mutual interest, but the Rangers may not be willing to give up some of their key pieces for the future.

Odor, one of their prized prospects, made his debut in May of 2014, he hit .259/.297/.402 in 114 games at second base. The left-handed hitter has played mostly second base in the minor leagues, but has experience at shortstop in the past. The Nationals need a second baseman, or possibly a third baseman if Anthony Rendon decides to move back to second, and could use a left-handed bat in the lineup.