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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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Apr 29, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Brad Hand (52) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 29, 2016; Los Angeles, CA, USA; San Diego Padres relief pitcher Brad Hand (52) pitches against the Los Angeles Dodgers during the sixth inning at Dodger Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Richard Mackson-USA TODAY Sports /

Brad Hand

Relief pitcher Brad Hand is coming off an excellent season with the San Diego Padres in 2016. Hand could be a dark house steal for the Texas Rangers if they can get him from the Padres. A strong 2016 season put Hand on the radar of many MLB teams.

In 2016 Hand went 4-4 2.92 ERA in a league leading 82 games with one save. Hand was a strikeout machine for the Padres with 111 in just 89.1 innings of work. Once a 2nd round pick of the Florida Marlins in 2008.

Hand has six years of MLB experience, but 2016 was his breakout year. Only 26-years-old Hand could be a dominant bullpen option for years to come.

Not eligible for free agency until 2020, Hand would be a huge pickup for the Rangers. A cheap option with under control that is coming off the best season of his career. He is younger than the previous two options and could be a steal for the Rangers.

The Padres are currently rebuilding their organization and that means trading Hand is a possibility. His trade value has skyrocketed after his performance last season. The Padres could decide to act on that now and get the best deal possible for Hand.

The Rangers might be able to work out a trade with the Padres and grab Hand before the Padres offer him up to the highest bidder. A low risk trade that could give the Rangers two strong left-handed options for the future.

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