Texas Rangers: Is The Signing of Doug Fister A Good Move?

The Texas Rangers have brought in a veteran pitcher. Reports confirm that Doug Fister is heading to Arlington. Pitching is the biggest hole that needs filling for the Rangers. Though the Rangers have brought in Fister, they’re not finished yet.

According to WFAA’s Matt Fisher, it was NBC Sports Boston’s Evan Drellich who first reported the news of the signing. It’s reportedly a one-year, $4 million dollar deal. It also includes an option for 2019. Have the Texas Rangers made a good move?

Fister will be 34 when the Rangers begin Spring Training. The Rangers truly are taking at risk with this signing. Fister went 5-9 in 15 stars last season, finishing with an ERA 4.88, which is a career-high. Fister hasn’t had a good run since 2014 when he 16-6. Since then he’s been trying to pick himself up. It’s obviously not a big free agent signing, but it’s something. It’s not an impressive signing, but again, it’s something. At least we can say that the Rangers didn’t spend too much money.

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This signing has its pros and its cons. His record and ERA from last season as well as his age is certainly a cause for concern, making that a con. However, he’s a veteran meaning he’ll provide veteran leadership in the clubhouse, making that a pro. Overall we’ll have to wait and see how everything goes.

Baseball reference projects Fister going 7-9 with a 4.73 ERA. Obviously, we can’t expect Fister to have the kind of year he had in 2014. Fister is an aging veteran who may be past his prime. We don’t know how much gas he has left in his tank. However, baseball reference’s projection seems pretty logical.

We can be certain that Fister is unlikely to be the number one starter in the pitching rotation. Quite frankly, it’s unclear if he’ll make the Opening Roster. As far as the signing goes on if it’s a good or bad one, we’ll have to wait and see.