1 free agent the Rangers should swipe from each division rival

The Texas Rangers have several needs to address this offseason. They need more offensive power, bullpen arms, and possibly one or two more rotation arms.

The Rangers should look to the free-agent market to address these needs. Let's look at one free agent from each division rival whom the Rangers should target. Just a disclaimer: they are all pitchers, since none of the teams have attractive position-player free agents who are realistic targets for Texas. However, each has a pitcher whom the Rangers should target.

These AL West free agents should be on the Rangers shopping list this offseason

Houston Astros RHP Bryan Abreu

Abreu, 29, is the biggest name on this list. The right-hander is coming off his worst season since 2021, but he still had solid numbers, posting a 3.73 ERA with 80 strikeouts over 62 2/3 innings out of Houston's bullpen.

There's some necessary context here. Abreu opened the year as the Astros' closer with Josh Hader on the shelf and struggled mightily, posting a 5.81 ERA over 31 innings in the first half. He tossed 31 2/3 innings in the second half and recorded a 1.71 ERA.

From 2022 through 2025, Abreu was one of the most dominant relievers in the game. During that four-year stretch, his 2.30 ERA ranked ninth among qualified relievers, and his 34.3% strikeout rate ranked 10th.

Abreu has been with the Astros his whole career. He made his MLB debut in 2019. The righty has a career ERA of 2.82 with 528 strikeouts over 392 1/3 innings.

He is also battle-tested, with a career postseason ERA of 2.49 over 25 1/3 innings across five seasons. He won the 2022 World Series with Houston. Overall, he's best suited in a setup role and could give the Rangers the right-handed strikeout artist that they sorely need in the bullpen.

Seattle Mariners LHP Hoby Milner

The Rangers should reunite with left-hander Hoby Milner this offseason. The Chicago Cubs signed Milner to a one-year deal last offseason. He posted a 3.53 ERA over 35 2/3 innings with Chicago before landing on the IL in late June with appendicitis. The Cubs didn't have room for him in their bullpen when he returned from the IL, so the club designated him for assignment and then released him. He then finished the season with the Mariners.

Milner pitched for Texas in 2025. He posted a 3.84 ERA over 42 innings. He wouldn't be Texas's most exciting option, but the 10-year MLB veteran likely wouldn't be expensive. The Rangers may as well sign Milner to a low-cost one-year deal, or even a minor-league contract.

Milner could be a low-cost alternative to Tyler Alexander, who is a free agent and could look to cash in on a strong year in Texas.

Athletics RHP Mark Leiter Jr.

How about a family reunion! Mark Leiter Jr., the cousin of Rangers right-hander Jack Leiter, will be a free agent this offseason.

Mark Leiter Jr. posted a 4.28 ERA over 33 2/3 innings while striking out 38 this season. He hasn't pitched since July 18 due to a hip issue. Like Milner, he shouldn't be expensive to sign this offseason.

Leiter posted a strong 2.95 FIP this year. He has seven seasons of big-league experience and posted a 1.69 ERA over 5 1/3 innings in six postseason outings during the New York Yankees' 2024 World Series run.

Los Angeles Angels RHP Robert Stephenson

Stephenson has been an absolute bust for the Angels. The righty signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Angels before the 2024 season. Because of injuries, including Tommy John surgery, Stephenson made only 12 appearances after signing.

The right-hander didn't pitch at all in 2026. He has a $2.5 million club option for the 2027 season, which Los Angeles will almost certainly decline.

Stephenson has nine years of MLB experience. He recorded a 2.35 ERA with 60 strikeouts over 38 1/3 innings for the Tampa Bay Rays in 2023. The Rangers should take a flier on the veteran and attempt to sign him to a minor-league deal this offseason.

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