What’s next for Jon Daniels and the Rangers

Jul 31, 2013; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels takes questions from the media at a press conference after the trade deadline had passed at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

What is next for Jon Daniels?  It seems more likely now that  Masahiro Tanaka will not be posted and will probably stay in Japan for another year.  With the changes to the posting system limit it to a $20 million dollar cap.  The Rakuten Golden Eagles won their league a championship and it appears they would like to have Tanaka to remain for a least one more year to try for another title.

Also, it is rumored the Golden Eagles will increase is salary next year and will more than likely allow him to come to the Majors after next season. With Masahiro Tanaka now not an option for the Texas Rangers, their focus will probably turn to Shin-Soo Choo or Nelson Cruz.  But, Jon Daniels has said that they are not on the verge of any moves. This could mean the Texas Rangers are done with any majors moves this offseason.  This would mean that Mitch Moreland will be staying with the club, mainly because the Tampa Bay Rays re-signed James Loney to cover first base. Mitch Moreland will probably play first base, DH some and may even play in the outfield some. Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis are both healthy.  

Harrison is starting to workout again and prepare for spring training.  This is especially good news for Jon Daniels.  If Harrison is able to return and perform as he did in 2012, the Texas Rangers will have a solid man in the rotation.  Hopefully the starting rotation will remain healthy this year.  Last year was not kind to Jon Daniels in that department. I do hope Jon Daniels does go after Shin-Soo Choo, maybe even Nelson Cruz.   But Shin-Soo Choo did turn down and offer from the Yankees.

  With Choo turning down that much from the Yankees, it seems unlikely he’ll be a Texas Rangers.  I don’t see the Rangers doing a long term deal similar to that.  I could see the Rangers doing a 4 or a 5 year deal, but even that might be too much for Jon Daniels, especially after acquiring Michael Choice.
But if not, I think bringing up Michael Choice midway through the season might be an next best option.   So what’s next for Jon Daniels?  If they don’t go after Choo, they are probably done.  The Texas Rangers will not be in the mix for a trade for the Rays’ David Price.  If Jon Daniels is done or not he has made the club better for 2014.  I’m ready for opening day, hope you are too!