Texas Rangers Winter Meetings: What to Watch for this Week

1 of 4

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals hits a two-run home run against the Houston Astros in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Sunday marks the beginning of the annual Winter Meetings and the Texas Rangers could be a busy club as they chase an elite free agent.

The Texas Rangers have been an involved player in free agency all offseason thus far and that likely will increase with the start of the Winter Meetings. Sunday marks the beginning of the annual week long convergence of organizations, players and the league and the Texas Rangers could be a busy club as they chase an elite free agent.

So far this offseason we’ve seen the Rangers add a pair of free agent pitchers in Kyle Gibson and Jordan Lyles. They’ve also made their intentions fairly clear that they want to address third base and are pursuing the top position player available, Anthony Rendon, to help solve that issue with Josh Donaldson as a very good Plan B. In addition to those plans, they remain in the mix on top FA starter Gerrit Cole while also being a team floated about in rumors regarding Hyun-Jin Ryu, Madison Bumgarner and Marcell Ozuna.

In fact, to say it’s already been a busy offseason is actually probably a bit of an understatement. But now with every organization together in San Diego for the Winter Meetings along with free agents, the representatives of those free agents, and a number of other league personnel, the storylines including the Rangers are guaranteed to heat up. So over the course of the next week, what storylines are we following most closely and what topics are we watching for involving the Texas Rangers.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 29: Anthony Rendon #6 of the Washington Nationals throws out George Springer (not pictured) of the Houston Astros during the third inning in Game Six of the 2019 World Series at Minute Maid Park on October 29, 2019 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Elsa/Getty Images) /

Follow the Third Base Market

Priority number one this offseason is addressing the virtually vacant third base position within the organization. In 2019, following the retirement of future Hall of Famer Adrian Beltre, the club tried a variety of low-cost options including Asdrubal Cabrera, Logan Forsythe and more. Now though, with two top tier third basemen on the free agent market, Texas is looking for a major upgrade. As of now, all eyes are on Anthony Rendon who is fresh off a World Series win with the Washington Nationals. The Houston native is far and away the top position player in free agency this offseason and is in line for a big time payday. Texas was sure to be engaged in the Rendon market entering the offseason but it’s looking more and more like they are determined to walk away with the 2019 NL MVP finalist. They aren’t without competition though as the Dodgers, Phillies and Nationals are all hot on the trail of the 29-year old.

If they don’t walk away with Rendon this offseason, expect them to push hard for Plan B, former MVP Josh Donaldson. Calling Josh Donaldson a backup plan almost feels disrespectful to the 34-year old. Donaldson is coming off a resurgent season with the Braves and is looking for likely what’ll be his final significant contract. Donaldson posted a 4.9 fWAR last season which ranked 8th among qualified third basemen. He won’t command quite the deal that Rendon will but he’ll still get a nice check. Texas wants Rendon but they will gladly take Donaldson as their Opening Day third baseman come next season.

SEATTLE, WA – MAY 28: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers follows through on a two-run home run against the Seattle Mariners in the fourth inning at T-Mobile Park on May 28, 2019 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Lindsey Wasson/Getty Images) /

Will Nomar Mazara Get Traded?

Mazara is a player who has been floated for the past few months as likely to be traded. Texas still has a logjam of corner outfielders right now, particularly left-handed hitting ones. Right now Mazara is competing against Shin-Soo Choo, Joey Gallo and Willie Calhoun for at-bats. Gallo isn’t going anywhere it seems as Texas has zeroed in on him as a cornerstone piece of the future. It seems like Calhoun, while not quite on the same plane as Gallo, also could be a core piece of the future for Texas. Choo meanwhile is a guy Texas probably would choose to trade if they could, but considering his age and contract as well as defensive limitations, might have too many hurdles to try and overcome. Plus he’s well-liked by the fanbase, the clubhouse and the manager bringing some extra value to Texas that he wouldn’t garner in a trade.

That leaves Mazara as the likely odd man out. Many, including myself, feel like Mazara still has a ton of untapped talent but going on five years in the league, he has yet to have the breakout we’ve all been waiting for. We see flashes now and then but it just hasn’t all come together yet. Given his defense liabilities in the outfield, the Rangers may opt move him while he maintains some value and letting Joey Gallo have right field full-time. This wouldn’t be a blockbuster deal but it always feels like the Winter Meetings are a time where deals of this caliber get done. We could see something materialize this week.

WASHINGTON, DC – OCTOBER 06: Pitcher Hyun-Jin Ryu #99 of the Los Angeles Dodgers delivers in the first inning of Game 3 of the NLDS against the Washington Nationals at Nationals Park on October 06, 2019 in Washington, DC. (Photo by Will Newton/Getty Images) /

Keep An Eye on the Prices for FA Starting Pitchers

While the Rangers have already added a pair of pitchers poised to slide into the 2020 rotation, they aren’t totally removing themselves from the starter market. Texas will continue to monitor how the starter market develops and could re-enter as players if the price is where they like it. They’re still connected to Gerrit Cole although it seems they’re on the outside looking in at this point. However, if Rendon and Donaldson don’t work out, maybe they jump back in on Cole. They have the financial means.

More realistically though, keep an eye on the second tier of starters still available specifically, Madison Bumgarner, Hyun-Jin Ryu and Dallas Keuchel. Texas would’ve liked to add a early rotation starter and while they’ve added a couple of mid guys in Gibson and Lyles, they wouldn’t turn down another impact starter. The priority is still third base but they’ll still flirt with some of the notable starters still available.

Next. Rangers Remain in the Mix for Cy Young Candidate. dark

Home / Texas Rangers News

Sunday marks the beginning of the annual Winter Meetings and the Texas Rangers could be a busy club as they chase an elite free agent.

Follow the Third Base Market

Will Nomar Mazara Get Traded?

Keep An Eye on the Prices for FA Starting Pitchers

Schedule