Texas Rangers: Top Three Needs to Address this Offseason

Third Base

In the wake of Adrian Beltre’s retirement at the end of 2018 the Rangers opted to try and use a committee to fill the void at the hot corner last season. That didn’t pan out all that well with production at the plate and defensively seeing a massive drop-off. This offseason is the chance to get that fixed for the long-term. Texas is in a tricky situation as third base is probably their deepest position in the minors right now with Josh Jung, Davis Wendzel and Sherten Apostel all looking like future big leaguers but a patchwork job at the spot next year isn’t going to work.

There are three legitimate free agents that could make a big impact for Texas at third next year and the Rangers likely need to lock up one of them. They also all come at different tiers with Anthony Rendon in the near-MVP category, Josh Donaldson in the short-term production category and Moustakas in the impact on a budget category. I fully expect one of these guys to play in Arlington next season and knocking out this missing piece would provide a significant boost to Texas next year.

Prediction: Josh Donaldson

While inking one of the best players in the game, Anthony Rendon, to a long-term deal would be a welcomed change of pace for Rangers fans, it doesn’t seem like a move Texas would make. Not because of the dollars as much as the length of the contract. Rendon is likely getting in the neighborhood of seven years on a deal this offseason and the Rangers won’t be eager to be the club that gives him that. With a number of top prospects ready to fill the third base spot for years to come, Texas opts for the short-term deal in Donaldson who still becomes one of the best players on the team.