Yu Darvish destination number four: Texas Rangers
When Darvish came over from Japan, he signed with the Texas Rangers and spent his first four and a half seasons in Arlington. As mentioned in the previous slide, the Rangers traded away Yu Darvish to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the trade deadline last season. However, Darvish could end up signing with the Rangers again this offseason.
According to MLB.com reporter T.R. Sullivan, Rangers’ GM Jon Daniels doesn’t expect the team to spend big money on a free agent this offseason. Although, Daniels also isn’t ruling anything out just yet.
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By the way the MLB free agency market has gone this season, who’s to say that the Rangers can’t sign Darvish for a cheaper price. If Darvish can’t get the money he wants, perhaps he signs at a more affordable price with a team that he knows well.
The Rangers could certainly use Darvish too. In 2017, the Rangers finished fourth in the AL West with a record of 78-84. However, the team’s offense doesn’t have them far off from contending for the Wild Card in 2018.
The starting rotation does need some work. With Cole Hamels as the current ace and Martin Perez behind him, the Rangers own a decent one-two punch. But their other three starters, which they have acquired this offseason, are all average pitchers at best. Doug Fister, Matt Moore, and Mike Minor are the Rangers backend of the rotation.
The Rangers’ rotation becomes a lot better if they can re-add Darvish into the mix. If they do want to compete in 2018, adding a talented starter is a must.
Next: Josh Harrison Trade Destinations
With how motionless the free agent market has played out this season, baseball fans can finally find joy in discovering where one of the top free agents may sign this week.