Texas Rangers: Jarrod Dyson Could Be Ideal For The Rangers

The Texas Rangers have quite a lot of holes to fill this winter. They will focus a lot of attention on pitching, especially starting pitching, but they could really add an outfielder. Jarrod Dyson could be ideal for what the Rangers need.

With Carlos Gomez more than likely going somewhere else this offseason, the Texas Rangers need to address the outfield. It’s not as high of a priority as pitching, but adding an outfielder will need to be on Jon Daniels’ list of tasks. Free agents like Lorenzo Cain, Jon Jay, and Jarrod Dyson headline this year’s free agent class.

The Rangers want to keep Nomar Mazara in right field most of the time in 2018, and with Shin-Soo Choo still on the roster (also a right fielder), the Rangers’ options for left and center field are limited. Delino DeShields had a promising end to 2017 but needs to show more consistency before being awarded an everyday spot. Ryan Rua would be behind DeShields in terms of a “depth chart” at the moment. Drew Robinson shouldn’t be used as anything more than a fourth outfielder since he’s primarily an infielder.

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It’s not likely for the Rangers to add an outfielder via trade. If they make trades this offseason, those resources are more than likely to acquire pitching. Free agency seems to be the best and cheapest way to add another outfielder.

Lorenzo Cain would be a very attractive option but costs too much considering what the Rangers have to spend this winter. The Rangers need to look at adding a value outfielder. This site has already covered a possible Rangers connection with Jon Jay here.

Jarrod Dyson could be exactly what the Rangers need. He doesn’t rake at the plate (career .258/.325/.352 slash line), but he’s a plus outfielder, can play either left or center field, and he’s an elite base-stealer (career 84.65% efficiency).

Dyson makes a great addition at a low cost for the Rangers. He could slot right into center field, giving guys like DeShields and Rua an opportunity to compete for left field. DeShields would be a better fit in left field instead of center field. That would improve the Rangers’ outfield defense all the more if Dyson comes to Arlington.

The Rangers could use the opportunity to sign a free agent position player to help improve things other than offense. Dyson makes a great fit atop the lineup, adding speed and stellar defense, which is something the Rangers need. The Rangers should be relying on players like Mazara, Joey Gallo, Adrian Beltre, Elvis Andrus, and Rougned Odor for offensive output. Dyson would be a great compliment to that lineup.