Texas Rangers: Five non-tendered free agents to ponder signing
By Travis Koch
![CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 29: Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinnati Reds its a home run in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on August 29, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images) CINCINNATI, OH - AUGUST 29: Billy Hamilton #6 of the Cincinnati Reds its a home run in the first inning against the Milwaukee Brewers at Great American Ball Park on August 29, 2018 in Cincinnati, Ohio. (Photo by Andy Lyons/Getty Images)](https://images2.minutemediacdn.com/image/upload/c_fill,w_720,ar_16:9,f_auto,q_auto,g_auto/shape/cover/sport/https-3A-2F-2Fnolanwritin-com-2Fwp-content-2Fuploads-2Fgetty-images-2F2017-2F07-2F1025136558-1-850x560-03ea47d1deab88a9373efaf27a68f3ab.jpg)
Blake Parker
Parker is another veteran right-armed reliever that Texas could consider. He’s put forth back-to-back solid seasons as a member of the Los Angeles Angels’ bullpen. In 2017, he pitched to a 2.54 ERA and an even more impressive 2.71 FIP in 67.1 innings pitched. 2018 saw a 3.26 ERA and 4.40 FIP in 66.1 innings.
Parker also posted a higher home run rate, higher WHIP and higher hit rate in 2018 compared to 2017. Still, it was by all accounts good campaign for the 33-year-old.
Like Gearrin, Parker would likely be a one-year option for the Texas Rangers. The organization’s top pitching prospects are on their way and the relief crew should fill out with homegrown talent in the coming years. Perhaps a few of them will become household names as early as 2019.
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Also like Gearrin, Parker would likely compete for a 7th inning role. He was considerably better against right-handed hitters last season compared to left-handed bats. He held righties to a .231 batting average, but afforded lefties a .269 BA. Thus, the Texas Rangers could use him situationally, perhaps splitting innings with Alex Claudio or C.D. Pelham.