Rangers actively pursing Shin-Soo Choo

Rumors are heating up around free agent Shin-Soo Choo.  The Texas Rangers have been in that rumor mill almost since day one.

With the signing of Carlos Beltran, Jacoby Ellsbury and Robinson Cano, Choo is now one of the hottest free-agent outfielders teams are trying to sign.

Along with the Texas Rangers, the Arizona Diamondbacks, Seattle Mariners and Cincinnati Reds, Detroit Tigers and the New York Yankees have all be mentioned in trying to sign Choo.  With the signing of Ellsbury, the Yankees are pretty much out.

Shin-Soo Choo played for the Reds at center field last year, his first time in the National League.  He .285/.423/.462/.885 over 154 games with 21 home runs and 54 RBI.

For the Texas Rangers it comes down to money.  They could still bring back Nelson Cruz.

Evan Grant tweeted earlier today.

It was recently rumored that Nelson Cruz turned down 5 year for $75 million from the Mariners.

As the price for Cruz goes up, it looks better and better for the Jon Daniels to try to sign Shin-Soo Choo.

Choo, according to two sources, is the Rangers’ top priority and they are in a “very competitive situation,” one source said. (Dallas news)

Latest report shows that Shin-Soo Choo is expecting a deal worth seven-year, $125-150 million deal.  Jon Daniels and the Texas Rangers can afford it, but JD has to determine is it worth it in the long run.

Choo’s on base percentage of .423 and 21 home runs is very attractive for any club.  Also, his 4.2 WAR with the Reds is another selling point.   He’ clearly played at an all-star level.  He’s pretty much the best free-agent on the market that hasn’t played in an all-star game.  Although, playing in an all-star game isn’t a metric for signing someone.

For his career, Choo has a batting average that is similar to what he did last year at .288/.389/.465/.854 with 104 home runs.

Sep 4, 2013; Cincinnati, OH, USA; Cincinnati Reds center fielder Shin-Soo Choo hits during a game against the St. Louis Cardinals at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: David Kohl-USA TODAY Sports

If the Texas Rangers do not sign Shin-Soo Choo, they still have other options, such as Michael Choice, Engel Beltre, Mitch Moreland and Jim Adduci.

Ron Washington has already stated that Leonys Martin will be the lead off man in 2014.   With him and Alex Rios out there, the Rangers are primarily looking for that one other guy as their regular left fielder.