Texas Rangers looking to make major upgrade at third

The Texas Rangers are still looking to replace Adrian Beltre. As such, they have what should be the top free agent atop their wish list.

From 2011 through 2018, the Texas Rangers were spoiled at the hot corner. They had Adrian Beltre, one of the better all around third basemen in the history of the game, penned into the lineup at third. However, all things must come to an end, and so too did Beltre’s time with the Rangers, as he retired following the 2018 campaign.

This year, the Rangers attempted to cobble the position together. Asdrubal Cabrera was brought into the fold as Texas attempted to fill the void left by Beltre’s departure. He lasted until August 1, a disappointment over his four months. The trio of Isiah Kiner-Falefa, Danny Santana, and Nick Solak have manned third since, but none of those appear to be the long term answer.

Instead, the Rangers may well go shopping once again in the offseason. According to reports, they are seeking to replace Beltre with another prospective top free agent – Washington Nationals third baseman Anthony Rendon.

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Of course, there is the matter of whether or not Rendon even reaches free agency. The Nationals have attempted to keep their star third baseman in the fold, but have not been able to come to an agreement. It is possible that they look to get a last minute extension, as they attempted with Bryce Harper, only to have the same results.

Should he reach the open market, Rendon certainly would be one of the more attractive players available. Entering Sunday’s action, he had produced a stellar .335/.415/.627 batting line, hitting 32 homers and 39 doubles. He leads the NL in batting average, and is in the top five in doubles, RBI, and bWAR.

Rendon has also been stellar with the glove throughout his career. He has led the NL in runs saved at third twice, and has saved ten runs at the hot corner already this year. That is a blend of production and defense that the Rangers had in Beltre, but will also make him a hot commodity.

The Texas Rangers are still looking for the heir to Adrian Beltre. While Anthony Rendon may be atop their wish list, he will not come cheap, and there will be plenty of competition for his services.