Jon Morosi of FOX Sports reports that the Los Angeles Dodgers are interested in Rangers starter Yovani Gallardo. The Dodgers view him as a backup plan should they not acquire Detroit’s David Price or Philadelphia’s Cole Hamels.
Gallardo has proven to be a valuable acquisition for the Rangers this year, posting a 3.19 ERA in 21 starts despite a 7-9 record. Clubs with top-tier starting pitchers are reportedly eyeballing top shortstop prospect Corey Seager in return for their aces, so L.A. could be looking at Gallardo as a means to fill their need without moving Seager.
There was talks early in the season that Gallardo could potentially sign long-term with the Rangers, as he grew up in Fort Worth. However, there’s seemingly more indication by the day that the 29-year-old is planning to test the waters of free agency in the winter, and the Rangers are reportedly listening on Gallardo now that he seems destined to leave after the year.
The Rangers have said they’re looking to be both buyers and sellers, which lines up with the fact that they’ve continued to have dialogue with the Phillies regarding Hamels. It sounds like most of Texas’ buying targets will be controllable assets, while they’ll look to get value for expiring contracts like Gallardo and Mitch Moreland.