Texas Rangers Are Making A Strong Push For Chris Carter

The Texas Rangers have been linked to free agent slugger Chris Carter throughout the off-season. Earlier in the week it seemed the Rangers were close to a deal with Mike Napoli. Now rumors are the Tampa Bay Rays and Rangers are the two front-runners to sign Carter.

The Texas Rangers mission to find a first baseman for 2017 continues. Recent reports have the Rays and Rangers as the two teams making a strong push to sign free agent Chris Carter. Rumors are that a deal could be done soon.

During 2016 Carter hit .222/.321/.499 with a league leading 41 home runs and 94 RBI in 160 games with the Milwaukee Brewers. Carter was later non-tendered by the Milwaukee Brewers and became a free agent.

Last season was a career year for Carter in numerous offensive categories. The one issue with Carter is the strikeouts as he struck out 206 times last season. The strikeouts become a big problem for the slugger, but Carter has impressive home run power. Is Carter’s ridiculous home run power enough to overlook his huge strikeout rate?

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The Rangers know what they will be getting if they sign Carter. Mike Napoli is another slugger that has been linked with the Rangers. What makes Carter a better option for the Rangers right now is that he will sign to a short-term deal.

Napoli is heading into his age 35 season and is seeking a multiple year deal. The Rangers are likely searching for a one-year option at first base. Joey Gallo could be ready to take over full-time first base duties after 2017.

Everybody knows the track record with Carter and his unpleasant strikeout rate. If Napoli is seeking a two or three-year deal then the Rangers are better off signing Carter. Right now the Rangers just need to plug-in power in their lineup and Carter can definitely do that.