Texas Rangers: Three Ways to Improve The Team This Off-Season

Step 1: Re-Sign Yu Darvish

Some veterans like outfielder Carlos Gomez and starter Andrew Cashner could have new homes in 2018. There is one veteran player the Rangers need to chase after this off-season and his name is Yu Darvish.

The Rangers traded Darvish to the Dodgers on July 31 for a package of three top prospects. The best part is that the Rangers could potentially get Darvish back this off-season. This trade could end up being a win-win for the Rangers.

After 2017 Darvish is set to become a free agent. The 30-year-old starter will be looking for a deal around approximately $150-200 million. That seems like a large price to pay, but he’s worth every dollar of the deal.

Through parts of five MLB seasons Darvish is 53-39 with a 3.38 ERA and 970 strikeouts. He’s a four-time All-Star that would be considered the “ace” on almost every organization.

The Rangers don’t have the money to re-sign all their pending free agents. They need to focus on re-signing Darvish because he’s the most important piece. Lefty Cole Hamels can’t do it all, and if the Rangers are serious about winning in 2018 then they need Darvish.

The starting rotation has done well, but without Darvish it’s taken a big hit. He’s the leader this team needs in its pitching staff. Even if the Rangers must overpay to get Darvish back in Arlington they need to do it.

Texas has the money to get Darvish back in Arlington long-term. His presence along could attract other free agents to Arlington in 2018. The first task this off-season must be getting Darvish back.