Might the Texas Rangers reunite with these three free agents this offseason?

Jake Diekman

Remember when Jake Diekman was trotting out of the Texas Rangers bullpen some five months ago? It’s not exactly a long-awaited reunion, but it sure would be nice to have the lefty hurler back in the pen.

Diekman joined the Rangers in 2015, coming over from the Philadelphia Phillies alongside Cole Hamels. He contributed greatly as a reliever up until he was traded to Arizona this past July. He did struggle as a member of the Diamondbacks, pitching to a 7.53 ERA in 24 appearances, but don’t let that fool you.

If anything, Diekman’s struggles in Arizona will only help the Rangers’ chances of signing him this offseason. Reason being, his value may have lessened. A hard throwing left-handed reliever like Diekman should be a coveted asset this offseason; though, he might fly under the radar with Andrew Miller, Zach Britton, and Justin Wilson also being free agents.

The Rangers need him. As of this moment, Alex Claudio and Jeffrey Springs are the primary lefties assigned to the bullpen. Claudio is of course a finesse pitcher and Springs has only one year of big league experience under his belt.

Diekman brings both power and years of experience with him; two things the staff could certainly use. Perhaps the Texas Rangers can throw a multi-year deal his way. The 31-year-old made less than $3 million in 2018. Given his lackluster second half of the 2018 season, Texas could sign him at a very affordable price.