Texas Rangers Winter Meetings: What to Watch for this Week

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.