Possible Texas Rangers trade targets as winter meetings begin

Aug 30, 2015; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers catcher Jonathan Lucroy (20) drives in a run with a base hit in the third inning against the Cincinnati Reds at Miller Park. Mandatory Credit: Benny Sieu-USA TODAY Sports

Jonathan Lucroy – Catcher, Milwaukee Brewers

Texas seems most desperate to upgrade its catching position. Lucroy would be the most impactful but also most costly player Texas could add behind the plate.

In six seasons with the Brewers, the 29-year-old veteran has hit .282 with 66 homers and 337 RBI. In his best season, 2014, Lucroy hit .301 with 13 home runs, 69 RBI and an OPS of .838 earning him an All-Star Game selection.

In 2015, injuries limited Lucroy to 103 games but that is not keeping teams from lusting after the Brewers’ backstop. Under contract through only 2016 with a club option for 2017, if Texas feels it is in a position to make a surge for a World Series, Lucroy could be a prime target.

But he will be expensive. The Brewers are in rebuilding mode and it would take at least two top prospects to pry Lucroy away from Milwaukee.

Brewers’ general manager David Sterns spoke about his catcher on Monday.

“We are still open to discussing any number of players on our roster, but as I’ve said from the opening press conference, Jonathan Lucroy is a really good player,” Stearns said. “He provides a tremendous amount of value to the organization. He’s a reason why we can be better next year.” Link

Of course, Sterns could just be trying to inflate Lucroy’s value while not showing his hand. Keep an eye on Lucroy as the winter unfolds because he is one of the few valuable assets Milwaukee has and for a team trying to rebuild, it might make sense to deal him to a contender like Texas.

Next: Andrew Cashner

Sep 23, 2015; San Diego, CA, USA; San Diego Padres starting pitcher Andrew Cashner (34) pitches against the San Francisco Giants during the first inning at Petco Park. Mandatory Credit: Jake Roth-USA TODAY Sports

Andrew Cashner – Starting pitcher, San Diego Padres

Texas has made it known that finding a veteran starter to sure up the back end of the rotation is an offseason priority. One possibility may be 29-year-old Andrew Cashner.

The front offices of Texas and San Diego have a great relationship since the Padres’ general manager is former Texas front office executive A.J. Preller.

What makes Cashner attractive is that he is relatively affordable since he is still under arbitration control. Last season he earned a modest $4 million.

With a career ERA of 3.59, Cashner could be a viable option for a one-year audition with Texas. His 4.24 ERA in 2015 was the highest of his career and Texas could benefit from having Cashner motivated headed into free agency.

Trading for the big righty would give young prospects in the Texas system like Chi Chi Gonzalez another year to develop before being thrust into a full-time role in the Texas rotation.

The Padres are also rumored to be looking to trade pitchers James Shields or Tyson Ross. But Shields brings a heavy contract and Ross would cost a King’s ransom in top prospects so Cashner might be the most likely San Diego pitcher Texas would target.

Next: Stephen Strasburg

Sep 26, 2015; Washington, DC, USA; Washington Nationals starting pitcher Stephen Strasburg (37) throws against the Philadelphia Phillies during the fourth inning at Nationals Park. Mandatory Credit: Brad Mills-USA TODAY Sports

Stephen Strasburg – Starting Pitcher, Washington Nationals

It almost seems unbelievable to hear that the Nationals are shopping the right hander who just three years ago was considered the game’s next pitching phenomenon.

Only 27, Strasburg will be a free agent following next season and he could command a huge contract. The fire-balling righty started only 23 games last season, the lowest total since he joined the Nationals rotation full time in 2012.

His 3.46 ERA in 2015 was his career-worst but is still nothing to be ashamed of. Thus, if Washington is inclined to trade Strasburg, it will require a rich package from Texas.

It has been reported that Washington covets some of the Rangers’ young middle infielders like Rougned Odor or Jurickson Profar. Texas is not going to part with Odor after his excellent second half of 2015 and Profar’s two-year injury hiatus makes it likely that Texas would have to sweeten the pot if it is to trade for Strasburg.

Another consideration to keep in mind is that the Nationals have already lost two starting pitchers, Doug Fister and Jordan Zimmerman to free agency this offseason likely driving up the asking price for Strasburg.

Next: Charlie Morton

Sep 30, 2015; Pittsburgh, PA, USA; Pittsburgh Pirates starting pitcher Charlie Morton (50) delivers a pitch against the St. Louis Cardinals during the first inning at PNC Park. Mandatory Credit: Charles LeClaire-USA TODAY Sports

Charlie Morton – Starting Pitcher, Pittsburgh Pirates

There is a natural connection between the Rangers and the Pittsburgh Pirates. The manager of each team used to be an assistant coach for the other organization meaning that the Pirates’ skipper Clint Hurdle (former Texas hitting coach) and the 2015 American League Manager of the Year, Texas’ Jeff Banister (former Pittsburgh bench coach) are familiar with the other club’s roster.

It is no secret that Hurdle has long desired to have Texas’ first baseman Mitch Moreland on his team. Now, Texas seems intent on dealing Moreland and Pittsburgh looks to be the most logical option.

Coming off a career season, Moreland will be a free agent next winter and Texas would like to balance its lineup by adding more right-handed power at first base.

Charlie Morton could be an interesting option for Texas to plug into its rotation. He is an extreme ground ball pitcher, something Texas general manager Jon Daniels covets.

But he is coming off of two years worth of sports hernia and hip injuries making him a bit of a risk. If Morton returns to form, he could be a risk worth taking.

He will make a reasonable $8 million in 2016 and has a club option for 2017 making him an interesting trade target should Texas decide to send Moreland to Pittsburgh.

Next: Texas Rangers 25 of 25: Chris Gimenez tendered

With each day of the winter meetings a new set of rumors will surface. While no one know for certain what is really happening in Nashville, it seems to be almost a certainty that Texas is primed to make a move.