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Texas Rangers: 5 Bullpen Options for the Rangers in 2017

By Andrew Webb

Sep 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) pitches the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 11, 2016; Oakland, CA, USA; Oakland Athletics relief pitcher Sean Doolittle (62) pitches the ball against the Seattle Mariners during the seventh inning at Oakland Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kelley L Cox-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 20, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Xavier Cedeno (31) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 20, 2016; St. Petersburg, FL, USA; Tampa Bay Rays relief pitcher Xavier Cedeno (31) throws a pitch during the seventh inning against the Texas Rangers at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Xavier Cedeno

A stellar 2016 campaign could lead Xavier Cedeno to Texas in 2017. Cedeno was one of the best left-handed relief pitchers last season with the Tampa Bay Rays. He quietly had a great season and could be a steal for the Rangers.

In 2016 Cedeno went 3-4 3.70 ERA in 54 games with the Rays. He only allowed 2 home runs in 41.1 innings and struck out 43 batters. Cedeno is coming off back-to-back strong seasons and has put himself as one of the best left-handed options in the league.

Cedeno is not eligible for free agency until 2020 which is going to make him more difficult to obtain. The Rays are not going to give Cedeno up for nothing as they want to win now too.

The Rangers have the prospects to get a done deal, but will it be worth it? Diekman should be back by mid-season and the Rangers could sign a cheaper option until then. This is not just about the 2017 season though.

Much like Doolittle the Rangers would get Cedeno for cheap and he is under control for multiple years. Cedeno has six years of MLB experience and could give the Rangers even more depth once Diekman returns.

Both Doolitle and Cedeno have higher market value than most options, but they could payoff huge in the end. Jon Daniels is not shy about making moves and this could be a good long-term transaction. A deal that gives the Rangers a solid left-handed option in 2017 and beyond.

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