The Texas Rangers didn’t sign Lorenzo Cain this winter because they may plan to ink native Charlie Blackmon next offseason.
For several seasons, Charlie Blackmon has been one of the best leadoff hitters in baseball. Despite being a guy who seemed to have come from nowhere, Blackmon has taken the time to establish himself as a star in MLB. Even if he plays for the Colorado Rockies and has the Coors Field advantage, he is a stellar player well-deserving of praise.
Next winter, Blackmon will see the rewards hit his bank account.
Blackmon reaches free agency at 32-years-old in what looks to be a historic class of free agents. Up against some stiff competition, Blackmon should still earn enough money to afford plenty of beard grooming products.
When it comes to fits for Blackmon in 2019, the team with one of the best advantages are the Texas Rangers. As a Dallas native, the Rangers are Blackmon’s hometown team. If anyone can get him to leave the friendly confines of Colorado, it’s the Rangers.
The Rangers already passed on center fielder Lorenzo Cain this winter. The former Kansas City Royals star will suit up for the Milwaukee Brewers instead. With little interest in bringing 2017 center fielder Carlos Gomez back, it looks as if the Rangers will allow Delino DeShields Jr. to take over the position in 2018. My guess is that this is all a plan to then go after Blackmon when he becomes available.
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For as much as the Rockies would love to keep Blackmon, they have other needs to focus on. Nolan Arenado will eventually receive a hefty payday. There’s also a pitching staff to address. The Rockies have zero chance at winning without at least one true ace in the rotation. Thus far, they have been unable to find him.
If Blackmon leaves the Rockies, he’s sure to see a decline at the plate. However, playing 81 games in Texas will help keep him in MVP talks.
The most prominent roadblock for the Rangers in a possible Blackmon pursuit might be fear. Failure from the Shin-Soo Choo contract may cause the Rangers to think twice before handing out a lot of dollars and cents.
The good news is that the Rangers will have the money to add Blackmon. Adrian Beltre is a free agent after 2018 and someone we should expect to retire. The $18 million off the books will allow them to take a chance on Blackmon should they desire.
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Unfortunately, this will not help the Texas Rangers solve another issue. By adding Charlie Blackmon, the lineup might lean a little too left-handed. Some wise transactions could straighten this out and help them improve the lineup with a hometown hero.