Texas Rangers: Time to Consider Signing Doug Fister?

The Rangers rotation has taken a hit over the last few weeks, and they’ve lost some valuable pitchers. Is it time for the front office to dig into their wallets and sign veteran starter Doug Fister?

Spring Training has been tough for Texas Rangers starters, and the injury bug continues to bite them. Starter Tyson Ross won’t be back until at least mid-season of the 2017 season. The Rangers knew that going into spring.

What they didn’t know is that Andrew Cashner and Chi Chi Gonzalez would go down as well. As of right now the Rangers don’t believe Cashner will be ready by Opening Day. Gonzalez will be gone at least six weeks, but could possibly be out three months.

These injuries force rookie Rule-5 pick Mike Hauschild into the fifth spot in the rotation. That also means that the off-and-on A.J. Griffin will grab a rotation spot as well. Is it time for the Rangers to sign another pitcher with all the injuries piling up?

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Veteran starter Doug Fister is still available on the free agent market. The 33-year-old went 12-13 4.64 ERA in 32 starts with the Houston Astros last season. Fister is not an All-Star, but he is a reliable starter, and the Rangers desperately need that right now.

Fister is an eight-year Major League veteran with a career 3.60 ERA, and could be an asset to the Texas rotation. He has four years of postseason experience, and could be a steal as he likely won’t require a multiple year deal.

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This could be a smart move for the Rangers to add some extra insurance to their starting rotation. You can never have enough depth, and Arlington desperately needs Fister right now.