Texas Rangers: Options to Fill 1B Void

Sign Jose Bautista or Matt Wieters

The Rangers could attempt to sign a guy that primarily plays a different position, and with power bats to replace Mitch Moreland, Bautista and Wieters seem great. Now, the elephant in the room is Jose Bautista getting clocked by Rougned Odor. My counter to this is that money talks, and with potential to make the postseason as the Blue Jays become depleted may be enough for Bautista. Him and Odor could try to make up their differences, and both provide for the Rangers ball club.

Seeing Bautista take over at first base isn’t so far-fetched either. Despite only playing 27 career games at first, Bautista seems naturally fit for the spot. A third baseman turned outfielder, Jose knows how to play the infield. With his defensive numbers dipping, it may be wise for a team to sign him for a role outside of the outfield. With a transition to first Bautista’s offensive production can remain high, and if signed to a long enough contract can make the transition to DH. Bautista to Texas may as well be the best fit for the slugger, as it seems nobody else wants him.

Matt Wieters is another guy that the Rangers could sign to play first base. Wieters would even serve as a just in case option to catch if anything ever happened to Jonathan Lucroy. Wieters has played only four career games at first, but it is common to see a catcher transition to first base. Not only would Wieters provide depth in both position, he would bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse.