After the disappointment of missing the playoffs only a year after hoisting the Commissioner’s Trophy, the Texas Rangers are in search of the pieces that will vault them back to the top.
With budget constraints an apparent factor this offseason, president of baseball operations Chris Young and newly promoted GM Ross Fenstermaker will most likely be focusing on value and not just the splashy signings.
But value doesn’t mean not good. It also doesn’t mean cheap. Baseball has not been immune to inflation throughout its history. The idea that a value contract could still be worth $10-$15 million is quite something.
So, what will the Rangers be looking at position-wise in the free agent market? Their main areas of concern after the 2023 season and heading into next year are catcher, the outfield, and pitching of all varieties.
Texas addressed the need at catcher last week with the signing of Kyle Higashioka to a two-year $12.5 million contract with a mutual option for 2027 worth $7 million. Higashioka will be splitting time with Jonah Heim, and they should make for a solid unit behind the plate for the Rangers.
That leaves outfield and pitching as the positions of serious need for Texas. Let’s take a look at three guys who won’t carry top-tier free agent price tags this offseason but could help to get the club back to the postseason in 2025.
