Texas Rangers: 3 Players That Deserve Contract Extensions

This one seems like a no-brainer as someone who must be re-signed. Based on his performance in 2017, starter Yu Darvish definitely has earned a contract extension. The Rangers will have to pay a high price tag, but Darvish is well worth it.

The four-time All-Star has been fantastic when healthy. The 30-year-old is arguably one of the best pitchers in the MLB, and is a fan favorite in Texas. This season Darvish is 6-7 with a 3.56 ERA in 18 starts.

In 2012 the Rangers signed Darvish to a six-year $56 million deal out of Japan. This off-season Darvish is going to easily double his original contract. An estimated deal for Darvish is likely six years $150 million this off-season.

Over the course of five MLB seasons Darvish is 52-37 with a 3.33 ERA and nearly 1000 strikeouts. The only thing that was held him back are injuries and Darvish looks healthy and ready to lead a rotation.

Giving $150 million to one player is a hefty price to pay, but if the Rangers want to win they will do it. A hometown discount is unlikely, but Darvish will give Texas an opportunity to make an offer. If Jon Daniels is serious about contending then he’ll re-sign Darvish.

The Rangers could still trade Darvish at the trade deadline and re-sign him in the off-season. It’s a business and if Jon Daniels feels he can score a good return on Darvish he’ll take it. It’s unlikely the Rangers go this route, but we’ll see where the Rangers are in the standings in a couple of weeks.

Outfielder Carlos Gomez could take a similar route of Ian Desmond in 2017. Taking a one-year deal in the off-season, and rebuilding his stock for a chance at a big pay-day. That certainly paid off for Desmond as he scored a five-year $70 million deal with the Colorado Rockies.

Instead of letting Gomez walk the Rangers should consider giving him an extension. The 31-year-old is putting together a strong season, and could fit in the Rangers future plans. Gomez has bounced back and the Rangers should take advantage of it.

This season Gomez is hitting .250 with 12 home runs and 32 RBI in 57 games. He’s seen time on the disabled list, but when healthy he’s electric on the field. The power is back with 12 homers already and Gomez hit 13 all last season.

The Rangers signed Gomez to a one-year $11.5 million deal in the off-season. That was when Gomez was coming off a bad year. His value has gone up, but he could still be affordable for Texas.

If Gomez continues to succeed this season he’ll likely look for a similar deal to Desmond this off-season. Health is always a concern for Gomez and Desmond has been better is that category. Regardless Gomez is likely to score a four-year $50-55 million deal this off-season.

It could be higher or possibly lower depending on his second half of the season. Also how many outfielders are available will determine his value on the free agent market. The Rangers should go after Gomez if he’s only asking $12-13 million a year. He’s proven his value, and could be an asset to the future of the organization.

It’s unlikely starter Andrew Cashner will make as big of an impact as Darvish or Gomez. That doesn’t mean he has earned a contract extension. Free agent pitching can be expensive, and Cashner could be a steal this off-season.

The Rangers signed Cashner to a one-year $10 million deal over the off-season. The 30-year-old was coming off his career worst season, and has bounced back nicely. He’s not an ace, but has value on the Rangers roster.

This season Cashner is 4-7 with a 3.54 ERA in 14 starts. He’s allowed just six home runs in over 80 innings pitched. The biggest problem for Cashner has been his lack of command as he’s walked 36 batters this season.

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The eight-year veteran was once a highly valued prospect and was sent to the Padres in a deal that brought Anthony Rizzo the to Cubs. The hard-throwing righty was converted from reliever to starter, but hasn’t exactly lived up to expectations.

The last four seasons Cashner has been full-time starter, but has bullpen experience if needed. It’s unlikely Cashner moves back to the bullpen, but with the current Texas pen you never know. His hopes of scoring a big pay-day could be crushed by the amount of competition.

Many big name All-Star starting pitchers are expected to hit the open market this off-season. A deal around three years $40 million is fair for Cashner. Hard to imagine him getting more than that and $13.3 million a year is a steal compared to the huge contracts given out to free agent starters.

It’s unlikely Cashner ever turns into an “ace” starter, but he could be useful in the middle of the rotation. He’s pitched well enough to earn an extension and the Rangers should consider it with their lack of depth in the rotation.

Right now Cashner has a 1.8 WAR and Cole Hamels has a 1.1 WAR. He’s earned a contract extension and the Rangers could get the steal of the off-season if they take advantage of it.

Next: 3 Options to Fill the Hole At Closer

Jon Daniels will have to decide who he wants to re-sign this off-season, but signing Darvish, Gomez, and Cashner is a good start.