Texas Rangers: Three Starting Pitching Targets That Should Be Pursued

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PHOENIX, AZ – AUGUST 21: Starting pitcher Patrick Corbin #46 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches against the Los Angeles Angels during the first inning of the MLB game at Chase Field on August 21, 2018 in Phoenix, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) /

The Texas Rangers can instantly upgrade their rotation this offseason by pursuing one of these three quality starting pitchers.

While there are no out and out aces on this year’s free agent market, there are a number of names that would be instant upgrades to a Texas Rangers pitching staff lacking in front end quality. Obviously, the dream is for Clayton Kershaw to opt out of his Dodgers contract and sign with Texas but that’s highly unlikely at best. But picking up a number two who can be your de facto number one while prospects develop could still be worth it. Because of the situation the Rangers are in, investing in talent that’s well into their 30’s doesn’t make sense. However, finding a pitcher right around the age 30 mark that has a chunk of years left in the big leagues could help Texas compete some next season and lock down part of the rotation once the young pitching talent starts hitting the big leagues.

HOUSTON, TX – SEPTEMBER 03: Dallas Keuchel #60 of the Houston Astros pitches in the first inning against the Minnesota Twins at Minute Maid Park on September 3, 2018 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Option 1: Dallas Keuchel

Dallas Keuchel is a name that Texas has been linked to over the past couple of years as a free agent target come the 2019 offseason. The Astros lefty once was the rotation headliner for the Rangers division rivals but with their slew of pitching acquisitions, has fallen to the end of the rotation. Despite this, he still would be the top starting pitcher for the Texas Rangers if signed. The 30-year old has an expiring contract and with the Astros deep with starting pitching, it’s not going to be a shock if he leaves.

Currently making just over $13 million in 2018, that number will jump on his next contract but shouldn’t be outrageous. With a record of 11-10 and a 3.46 ERA, Keuchel could probably be had for somewhere around $20 million which is around what Yu Darvish signed for this past offseason. He doesn’t quite have the “ace” reputation of Darvish but he does have the stats and age that’ll make him a hot commodity on the free agent market. What could drive up his price is that he’s represented by the infamous, Scott Boras, who is known for maximizing the value of his client’s contracts.

LOS ANGELES, CA – SEPTEMBER 01: Patrick Corbin #46 of the Arizona Diamondbacks pitches to the Los Angeles Dodgers in the thrid inning at Dodger Stadium on September 1, 2018 in Los Angeles, California. (Photo by John McCoy/Getty Images) /

Option 2: Patrick Corbin

Like Keuchel, Patrick Corbin represents an intriguing left handed arm for the Texas Rangers. Perhaps what makes him even more of an interesting target is that he’s a year and a half younger than Keuchel. Having just turned 29, Corbin is in the midst of his pitching prime evidenced by the year he’s having in 2018, his career best. An All-Star, Corbin is posting a 3.05 ERA in 2018 with a 10-5 record. Now that’s in a bit of a pitcher friendly ballpark in Arizona but still, he’s shown an ability to miss bats posting a WHIP of 1.013.

Like Keuchel, Corbin’s contract expires at the end of this season and it’s not a lock for his current club to bring him back. The Diamondbacks currently are forking over $34 million to Zack Grienke and will be for the next three years. Take that sum and the fact that they Paul Goldschmidt is out of contract after next season and Arizona will have some decisions to make. Assuming they want to extend Goldschmidt, which they should, will there be enough money left over for Patrick Corbin. If not, the Rangers could capitalize on this by scooping up Corbin on a long term deal. Currently making $7.5 million, Corbin would be due a large pay raise on his next contract. I’d expect something around $18 million since although he’s younger than Keuchel, he’s also less proven.

ATLANTA, GA – SEPTEMBER 3: Nathan Eovaldi #17 of the Boston Red Sox throws a first inning pitch against the Atlanta Braves at SunTrust Park on September 3, 2018 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Scott Cunningham/Getty Images) /

Option 3: Nathan Eovaldi

A Texas native, Eovaldi is the youngest option of these three targets as he’s yet to turn 29. Acquired by the Boston Red Sox this summer, Eovaldi is coming off a second elbow surgery but is having one of the better years of his career. In 18 starts split between the Rays and Red Sox, he’s got a combined 5-7 record and a 4.20 ERA. Eovaldi has also done a good job missing bats posting a combined 1.177 WHIP across both teams. The Red Sox acquired Eovaldi as a rental for their postseason run this year but it’s unlikely they’ll re-sign him come this offseason which is where the Rangers could capitalize.

In 2018, Eovaldi is making just $2 million as part of his post injury contract with Tampa Bay. Obviously, he’ll command a lot more in this year’s market but could still be gotten at an affordable price. His upside is arguably not as high as Corbin and Keuchel but he still would be the top pitcher in the Texas rotation. A long term deal worth about $15 million a year could lock up Eovaldi as the frontline starter going into the 2019 season.

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The Texas Rangers can instantly upgrade their rotation this offseason by pursuing one of these three quality starting pitchers.

Option 1: Dallas Keuchel

Option 2: Patrick Corbin

Option 3: Nathan Eovaldi

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