Texas Rangers: Tyson Ross means sudden light in the free agent market
By Travis Koch
Newly deemed free agent, Tyson Ross, adds a quality arm to the pitching market. The Texas Rangers are in desperate need of a quality pitcher, Tyson Ross fits their criteria.
Breaking news hit the MLB circuit Friday night when the San Diego Padres non-tendered starting pitcher Tyson Ross. Ross is now a free agent. The Padres became impatient with Ross’ shoulder injury which caused their ace to miss nearly the entire 2016 season.
Ross certainly spices up a very thin starting pitching free agent market. He will attract attention from numerous teams. Among those should be the Texas Rangers.
Just as many teams, the Rangers have been very quiet this offseason. Having expended a large sum of their prospects in recent deals, Texas will likely opt to free agency to add key pieces this winter. They signed Andrew Cashner to a 1-year, $10 million as their lone offseason move, however, there is more to be done. Texas’ current rotation is led by Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish, followed by Martin Perez, Andrew Cashner, and A.J. Griffin. Ideally, the Rangers would prefer knocking Perez and Cashner back a slot, thus pushing Griffin outside of the rotation.
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Tyson Ross would slot perfectly as the number three starter for Texas. He is a known ground ball pitcher who pounds the strike zone. Although being removed from the league for a year, Ross was an emerging MLB ace in 2014-2015. He neared the 200-inning mark in each season; his 2.81 ERA in 2014 ranked 8th in the NL, and his 216 strikeouts ranked 6th in the NL in 2015. Ross throws a sneaky good cutter that nicely compliments his wipeout slider. He also throws a very effective sinker. His repertoire is a nice fit for the hitter’s ballpark that is Globe Life Park.
Of course, a signing by any team would be pending a physical examination of Ross. San Diego suddenly dumping Ross is somewhat alarming, therefore, an investigation into the matter is essential. If signs indicate he’ll be ready for opening day, or at least early season, many teams will be in line for a Tyson Ross signing. After all, it’s not a question of skill, it’s a question of health.
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The Texas Rangers should lead the bidding. If there is a team that is one quality starter away from serious championship contention, Texas might be it. The MLB winter meetings begin this week, expect the action to heat up immensely.