Texas Rangers: Seven stars of interest in the 2020 free agent class

Chris Sale

Now, to the other starting pitcher that will have every team in a frenzy. Chris Sale has a 163-62 career record, and a 2.89 career ERA. Since emerging onto the scene in 2012, he’s averaged 239 strikeouts per season.

There’s really no need to waste time listing his remarkable numbers. That would take too long; plus, you’re probably already aware.

He’s a top five ace in MLB, maybe even top three. Therefore, he’s going to demand a ton of money. Sale is currently under a 7-year, $59 million contract that he initially signed with the Chicago White Sox. One of the reasons he was on the trade block seemingly every year with the White Sox was because of his very team-friendly contract.

Both Sox teams (White and Red) received extreme production from Sale at a bargain price. With the 30-year-old primed for one more lengthy contract, it’s unlikely he’ll be willing to sign a team-friendly deal again.

Max Scherzer signed a 7-year/$210 million contract with the Nationals in 2015. He was 30 years old at the time. Justin Verlander was 30 years old when he signed a 6-year/$162 million agreement with the Detroit Tigers.

Point being, Sale will want to at least match the going rate of the game’s top pitchers. A contract of six or seven years at around $27 million/per year may get the Texas Rangers in the door.