Should the Texas Rangers Take A Chance on Mat Latos?

The Texas Rangers have already added pieces to their 2018 starting rotation, but there is no indication the team is done yet. Should the organization sign former Reds ace Mat Latos this winter?

It’s been a busy winter already for the Texas Rangers as they’ve already added two starters. They signed veteran Doug Fister and lefty Mike Minor and we’re not even at the Winter Meetings yet.

The Rangers current rotation looks as followed: Cole Hamels, Martin Perez, Fister, and Minor. The fifth spot is still wide open for anyone to grab. Many speculate it will be a younger pitcher, but the Rangers are still undecided.

They’ve been rumored to be interested in almost all the “big name” starters this off-season. Whether or not there is any realistic interest is still unknown. The Rangers do lack depth though, but could adding Mat Latos help solve that problem?

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The 30-year-old righty has struggled the last few seasons. Latos has been on six different organizations over the last three seasons. He was most recently with the Toronto Blue Jays, but that didn’t go too well.

Latos started just three games for the Jays and finished with a 6.60 ERA and allowed 11 earned runs. He pitched better in Triple-A, but failed to find any consistency. Latos has struggled lately, but that doesn’t mean he has nothing to offer.

During his nine years in the MLB, Latos is 71-59 with a 3.64 ERA in 197 games. He was released by the Blue Jays in May, but could be a cheap option for Texas. The Rangers could sign Latos to a small one-year deal worth possibly $1-2 million.

Texas can give him a chance in Spring Training to earn a spot on the roster. He gives Texas depth and a pitcher with MLB experience, something the Rangers are lacking. It’s a low risk move for Texas that could pay off down the road.