Texas Rangers: Should Andrew Cashner Get A Contract Extension?

The Rangers starting pitching staff has surprising been the most consistent part of the team this season. Should the organization considering re-signing veteran starter Andrew Cashner long-term?

Losing ace starter Yu Darvish is going to hurt the Texas Rangers starting rotation. The team will now count on veteran Cole Hamels to lead the starters for the rest of 2017. Could Andrew Cashner step up into the No. 2 starter role?

During the off-season the Rangers signed Cashner to a one-year deal worth $10 million for 2017. He’s been strong posting a 7-8 record with a 3.36 ERA in 18 starts. Cashner has allowed just eight home runs all season in over 100 innings of work.

The 30-year-old starter is quietly having a solid campaign in Arlington. That could be part of the reason the organization decided not to move Cashner at the trade deadline. Could the organization be thinking a long-term contract extension?

More from Nolan Writin'

A long-term deal with Cashner is not a bad idea for the Rangers. Through 18 starts Cashner has a 3.0 WAR which is the best of his career. Getting quality starting pitching is expensive in the MLB, and Cashner could be a steal for Texas.

The Rangers have other holes that need to be dealt with as well, but re-signing Cashner is a good start. If general manager Jon Daniels can strike a deal around 2-3 years for $12-14 million a year that’s a steal for Cashner.

Quality starting pitchers in free agency are going for $20-30 million a year quite often. That is likely what Darvish will be asking for this coming winter. The Rangers could lock down Cashner quietly before the free agent bidding war begins.

Next: Which Rangers Have Been The Biggest Surprises?

At this point in his career Cashner is not an ace starter. It’s hard to even see him as a No. 2 starter, but he’s a great backend starter. This could be a smart move for the Rangers and gives them insurance in case Darvish signs elsewhere in 2018.

Home/Texas Rangers News