Should The Texas Rangers Take A Chance on Tim Lincecum?

The Texas Rangers have spent much of the off-season restructuring their rotation and bullpen. Could two-time Cy Young award winner Tim Lincecum be an option for the Rangers?

The last time we saw Tim Lincecum he went 2-6 with a 9.16 ERA in nine starts with the Los Angeles Angels in 2016. Since then he pretty much disappeared from the public eye until recent reports of a possible come back. Should the Rangers take a look and see if “The Freak” still has anything left in the tank?

The 33-year-old is a four-time All-Star, two-time Cy Young award winner. He’s placed in the top 25 MVP candidacy twice, and led the MLB in strikeouts in three consecutive seasons. Lincecum has a phenomenal track record, but hasn’t been the same pitcher since 2012.

The Rangers have added multiple starters this season, but it’s unknown whether Lincecum wants to start or pitch in relief. At this stage in his career, considering moving to the bullpen isn’t a bad move by him.

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Lincecum is 110-89 with a 3.74 ERA in 270 starts and eight relief appearances during his ten-year MLB career. He’s thrown over 1600 innings and it’s unlikely he can be a reliable option in the rotation anymore. Lincecum gave up 39 earned runs in 38 innings with the Angels as a starter in 2016.

It sounds like the best move now is for Linceucm to become a swingman or straight up full-time bullpen pitcher. There could be something left in the tank, but his dream of finishing his career as a starter is far-fetched at this stage.

The Rangers are looking to improve their team at a low-cost without having to pay top dollar for big name arms. This is a prime opportunity for the Rangers to cash-in on. It’s likely going to be a one-year deal with a low amount of money. Lincecum is just looking to get back into the league, and finish his career on a strong note.

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It’s been rumored that Lincecum will throw for teams at some point this winter. At worst, the Rangers can give him a Spring Training invite and let him show he can still pitch in the MLB. This is a low risk/high reward situation for Texas.