Texas Rangers: 5 biggest decisions to make this offseason

Is there a way to contend in 2019?

For those of you who are anxious to get back to competing in 2019, you may want to take a deep breath and reassess. As big of a hole as the organization has dug for its starting pitching, contending in 2019 would be a miracle. With that said, the Texas Rangers offense should be quite good next season, and the bullpen should be okay.

Still, there are too many uncertainties. Which version of Rougned Odor will show up in 2019? Can Mazara become an all-star caliber player? Will Jurickson Profar follow-up on his impressive 2018? Can Elvis Andrus return to his 2017 self?

The offense has outstanding potential, but potential isn’t enough to warrant wild offseason spending. If Jon Daniels wants to pursue Clayton Kershaw (if he opts out of his contract) then he’d be making a statement towards 2019 competitiveness. Though, it would take more than a Kershaw signing to jolt this team into contention.

The rest of the American League needs to be considered as well. Actually, there’s really no need to look any further than the American League West. The Astros will once again be the team to beat. Oakland will only improve, and Seattle and Los Angeles are in better form to contend next season than the Texas Rangers.

Point being, it would be a steep climb to even fight for third place in the West next year. There is always hope in the wildcard race, but it would not be surprising if the New York Yankees and Oakland Athletics rematch in the AL wildcard game in the 2019 postseason.

So really, this is an easy decision. Play for 2020, not 2019.