Texas Rangers: three free agents team should target
After an abysmal 2018, the Texas Rangers took major strides of improvement in 2019. Here are three players that could help the team take the next step in 2020.
The Texas Rangers finished 78-84, third in the AL West. Despite having a losing record, this was much better than their 2018 last-place finish.
They competed in one of the most competitive divisions in baseball. Both the Houston Astros and the Oakland A’s made the playoffs, as well as having to play Mike Trout 19 times a season.
This was also their first season without future-Hall-of-Famer Adrian Beltre. From 2011 to 2018, the third baseman hit 199 home runs, drove in 699 runs and batted .304 over eight seasons. While in Texas, he won three gold gloves, adding to his previous two to make five for his career. He was also awarded to Silver Sluggers.
He was their franchise centerpiece for most of this decade. The team is still missing his presence, both in their lineup and in the clubhouse. He was an exemplary third baseman and will be elected into Cooperstown when his time comes.
Being in the same division as the Houston Astros is going to be an obstacle for at least the next couple of seasons. However, the Rangers have established talent and money to spend. This free agency is a huge turning point for their franchise. Here are three moves the Texas Rangers could make this offseason.
Josh Donaldson, 3B, ATL
Since he will be 34 at the start of the 2020 season, Josh Donaldson will not be getting a lengthy deal. However, after his phenomenal 2019 season in Atlanta, he will most certainly get a lucrative contract.
The Texas Rangers might make a stab at Anthony Rendon, the best bat in free agency, but his market is going to be beyond competitive.
Donaldson is a more short-term option at the hot corner, which makes sense for the Rangers because of their minor league depth at third base. Both Josh Jung and Davis Wendzel have bright futures but are currently playing for their lower minor league teams.
In 155 games in 2019, the 33-year-old hit 37 home runs, drove in 94 runs and had a .900 OPS. He was an explosive cleanup hitter for the Braves. If Donaldson were to bat behind Elvis Andrus and Joey Gallo, his RBIs will increase.
The 2015 American League MVP returned to superstar status after his impressive 2019 campaign. A return to the American League could be realistic since the Rangers need to fill their huge hole at third base.
The Rangers have money to spend and need to bring in a superstar to Texas if they want to compete and win games.
Julio Teheran, RHP, ATL
Julio Teheran became a free agent last week after the Atlanta Braves declined to pick up his option for 2020.
Teheran, who will be 29 at the beginning of next season, pitched nine seasons for Atlanta. Since 2013, he has managed to start at least 30 games each season, while pitching a minimum of 170 innings. His durability is not a doubt.
The two-time All-Star would immensely strengthen the Rangers’ pitching rotation, which is a necessity if they want to be a winning ball club.
In 2019, the Texas Rangers only had four pitchers start at least 15 games. Mike Minor and Lance Lynn were the only two starters on the team to pitch 200 innings and start over 30 games. Both Lynn and Minor are going to be at the front of their rotation in 2020.
Teheran has reached the 200-inning milestone twice in his career and has been close to the last few seasons.
Adding Teheran to that rotation will add another proven start. Teheran has a career 3.67 ERA through 1,360 innings. In addition to his durability and effectiveness during the regular season, the right-hander has been to multiple playoffs and has October experience.
He is still young and could sign a three- or four-year deal, unless if he chooses to sign a one-year, “prove yourself” contract. The Texas Rangers would really benefit from adding a young, established pitcher to their rotation.
Teheran should not be the only pitcher they go after this Winter. They should look to add multiple starters.
Robinson Chirinos, C, HOU
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A reunion between the two parties looks like it could be possible. After spending six seasons with the Rangers, Robinson Chirinos could return to the franchise after one season in Houston.
The backstop put together a great 2019 campaign with the Houston Astros. Over 114 games, he hit 17 home runs, drove in 58 runs and had a .790 OPS. In addition to his power, he had a career-high in hits with 87.
The Rangers need a catcher and they need one badly. Jeff Mathis was their catcher last season and had a .433 OPS. over 86 games. If they are spending money this offseason, they must address the catching position as well.
Even though Chirinos will be 36 at the beginning of next season, he is still one of the more consistent catchers in the league, especially of the ones available. He will not be very expensive and will be awarded a deal no longer than two years, with options.
He has proven to have durability and consistency, two things that a Rangers catcher has not possessed in years. He will strengthen their defense, as well as deepen their lineup.
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Chirinos should not be their only catcher, but he would make a strong primary catcher. Having another young catcher to play beside him would be a smart move for Texas.