Manny Machado signing with the Texas Rangers isn’t totally far-fetched

Manny Machado to the Texas Rangers? It could happen. The Rangers aren’t an MLB blue blood, but they do have the resources to test the Machado market.

In case you haven’t heard, superstars Manny Machado and Bryce Harper are free agents this winter. Thus, every writer in America will be determined to concoct scenarios to get either, or both, to their respected teams. While I can’t envision a scenario in which Harper lands with the Texas Rangers, there is an avenue to land Machado.

Let’s explore…

Do the Rangers even need Machado?

That may sound like a dumb question. I mean, every team needs a Manny Machado. However, from a logistical standpoint, is there an easy fit for the young sensation on the Rangers roster?

Of course, Texas is still waiting to hear from third baseman Adrian Beltre regarding his decision (to retire or to keep playing). Even if Beltre wants to keep playing, he is a free agent, so there is no guarantee he rejoins the Rangers.

Jurickson Profar is the expected replacement for Beltre at the hot corner. The 25-year-old is coming off a tremendous offensive season, though he did have his struggles on defense, particularly at third base.

It would take an outsider to come in and take third base from Profar. The only in-house player that could threaten his presumed spot is Isiah Kiner-Falefa; however, Kiner-Falefa appears on path to be the team’s starting catcher.

The Texas Rangers are without a doubt confident in Profar successfully manning third base. Only an all-star caliber player would disrupt the current plan.

Enter Manny Machado…

How can any team pass on such a talent?

Not too often does a team have a chance to sign a four-time all-star at the age of 26. Machado is one of the top offensive talents and defensive talents in all of baseball. He has great power, tremendous bat speed, a bazooka of a right arm and a masterful glove. When he decides to hustle, he sports decent speed as well.

The teams that signs him will gain a face of the franchise type player. That team will also gain a player who puts butts in seats and eyes on televisions. Frankly, every bit of hype that surrounds Manny Machado is justified.

Just think of the impact Machado would have on the Texas Rangers offense and defense. He would be a vacuum at third base. I know Rangers fans are used to that with Adrian Beltre, but imagine a more agile, fleet of foot Adrian Beltre.

Machado’s right-handed bat would balance a heavy left-handed lineup. He would also add outstanding contact to a collective group that is notorious for high strikeout totals. He reaches base at a high rate and slugs, making him the perfect fit for the three-hole in the Texas lineup.

Would Machado even want to sign with Texas?

Ah yes, the million dollar question…well, $300 million, actually.

Honestly, it’s very unlikely a superstar in his prime wants to tolerate a couple of bad team seasons before turning the corner. That statement alone could end this conversation.

With that said, there’s a lot to like about a youthful team on the rise. Machado would be the star of the show and he would inherit a leadership role. He wouldn’t be sharing the limelight with other headline players like he would be in New York or L.A.

He’s voiced his preference to play shortstop rather than third. While the Rangers would not be able to accommodate said preference immediately, they could shift him from third to short if Andrus is traded or if he opts out following the 2019 season.

If the Rangers wanted to, they could offer up an annual salary of $30 million. Would they go as far as offering him 10 years? Probably not. Though, I’m not entirely sure Manny Machado would want a 10-year contract.

Top-tier professional athletes want guaranteed money, but they also want flexibility. They don’t want to be handcuffed by one team for too long, especially if things aren’t going to plan. At 26 years old, Machado probably wants freedom to roam.

He’ll want opt out clauses within a front loaded contract. A four or five-year deal would fit the bill, granting him freedom when he is still in prime shape at the age of 30 or 31.

Ultimately, the Texas Rangers have enough on their side to at least intrigue Manny Machado. They have the funds, the outlook, the space and a new ballpark to provide him.

Will Machado choose Texas as his landing spot? Probably not, but it’s definitely worth it for the Rangers to play their hand in the Machado sweepstakes. He’ll eventually choose east coast or west coast, but at least you have yourself some tasty food for thought.