The Texas Rangers have made several small moves this offseason making the plan for 2019 a little uncertain.
Last year the Texas Rangers finished last in the AL West and won just 67 games. This team is clearly in decline and years away from competing.
They have a young core of players that includes Nomar Mazara, Joey Gallo, Rougned Odor, and Jose Leclerc.
However, they don’t have a particularly strong farm system, and their top prospects are still another year away from contributing at the big leagues.
The way things are shaping up, this team won’t be ready to compete until 2021 at the earliest.
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And three of their top prospects are outfielders, so there is almost too much depth there when you consider they already have Mazara and Gallo in the outfield.
They really lack pitching prospects, which is where they should turn their focus in upcoming drafts and trades.
This offseason they acquired three starting pitchers who are looking to re-establish themselves in the big leagues.
Lance Lynn was a bit of a surprise as they signed him for three years and $30 million.
They took a shot on Shelby Miller for one year and $2 million as he comes back from injury. And they got Drew Smyly in a trade who is also coming back from injuries.
Those three, along with Mike Minor and Edinson Volquez, actually give them a potentially formidable starting rotation.
Other moves this offseason include signing Shawn Kelley for the bullpen and Asdrubal Cabrera to replace Adrian Beltre at third.
So what are the Rangers trying to do in 2019?
To me, it looks like they are trying to compete while also keeping an eye towards the future. And if that is the case, that’s very refreshing as a fan.
Instead of doing nothing and just tanking, the Rangers are trying to put a decent product on the field for their fans.
With that, they are also bringing in guys who could become very valuable to other teams during the season.
If Smyly and Miller pitch like they are capable, the Texas Rangers could easily flip them during the season for a decent prospect to help rebuild the farm system.
Or, both of those guys are still in their 20s and the Rangers could look to re-sign them to be part of their future.
There are a number of players on the Rangers who will likely not be part of the team when they are ready to compete again in 2021 who could be traded this season.
Ultimately, I think that’s what the Rangers try to do this season. I think they try to put a decent product on the field to start the season, keeping in mind they want to flip some of their players at the deadline to help restock the farm system for the future.