Rumors: Texas Rangers Still Considering Multiple Infielder Options

In their quest to replace Adrian Beltre, the Texas Rangers are considering a few different options on the free agent infielder market.

While I personally would love to see Manny Machado as the third baseman of the future for the Texas Rangers, a more realistic option may have to be considered. Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reported that Texas is maintaining contact with a couple of free agent infielders as they look to replace the future Hall of Famer, Adrian Beltre, at the position.

Grant reports that Texas is interested in former Pirates infielder Josh Harrison as well as Yangervis Solarte who most recently played for Toronto.

Josh Harrison

Josh Harrison is a name Texas has been connected to earlier this offseason and represents a well-known utility infielding option. The 31-year old is coming off of a limited 2018 that still saw him put up quality offensive numbers. In 97 games, Harrison hit .250 with a .339 on-base percentage. Over the course of his career, the Ohio native is a .277 hitter with a low strikeout rate, something the Rangers could desperately need.

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If Harrison were brought in, he would likely get the nod to start the season at 3rd base but could also be rotated in at 2nd or the outfield. He also represents an option that Texas can rely on for a couple of years rather than just a single year filler player.

Yangervis Solarte

Solarte is probably the name Texas Rangers fans are less familiar with. He was non-tendered by the Blue Jays at the beginning of the offseason and like Harrison, can play a number of positions. He had a bit of a down year in 2018 appearing in 122 games for Toronto hitting .226. A career .259 hitter, Solarte bring the benefit of being a switch hitter, similar to recently traded Jurickson Profar. He, like Harrison, has a lower strikeout rate which would complement a free-swinging Rangers lineup.

Who’s The Best Option?

I would imagine Harrison would be the first choice for Texas but he also is drawing interest from a number of other teams including the Dodgers, Angels, and Phillies according to Jon Heyman. If the Rangers can find a way to bring in Harrison on a 2-year deal, I think that makes the most sense as he can produce now and for a couple of seasons before handing over the reins to a true long-term option.