Rumors: Texas Rangers Discussed Nomar Mazara with Cardinals, D’Backs

The Texas Rangers seem to be turning to Nomar Mazara as the player to trade in order to thin out their crowded corner outfield selection.

While third base remains the priority for the Texas Rangers this offseason, they also have acknowledged the need to figure out how they will deal with their outfield rotation moving forward. Currently, the Rangers have an overstocking of left-handed hitting corner outfielders with Joey Gallo, Shin-Soo Choo, Willie Calhoun and Nomar Mazara. As of now, they seem to be turning to Nomar Mazara as the player to trade in order to thin out their crowded corner outfield selection.

Per a pair of reports, the Texas Rangers seem to have had discussions revolving around Nomar Mazara with the a pair NL clubs in the Arizona Diamondbacks and the St. Louis Cardinals.

According to Nick Piecoro of the Arizona Republic, “The Diamondbacks are said to have interest in both,” regarding the Rangers Nomar Mazara and the Mariners’ Mitch Haniger. The D’Backs are expected to pursue an option in right field this offseason and given how they tend to operate in a fiscally conscientious manner, finding a young right fielder that won’t cost much is right up their alley. Piecoro reports that the D’Backs would be willing to part ways with prospects in a deal to acquire an outfielder however not from their top tier.

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In addition to Arizona, it seems Texas and the St. Louis Cardinals have at least held some talk around Nomar Mazara. Derrick Goold of the St. Louis Post-Dispatch noted that the Cards are looking to add left-handed hitting this offseason and have held some discussions with Texas who have an overstock of left-handed hitters. Goold goes on to mention that the Cardinals would prefer to add lefty hitting via trade however there seems to be nothing moving quickly on the trade market.

Mazara’s value is one that’s hard to nail down. Once a top prospect, Nomar has failed to live up to expectations in his first few seasons in the big leagues. Across his four years in Arlington, Mazara has posted just a combined 1.7 fWAR and failed to post a one-win season yet. His below average defense hinders his value some but thoughts were and to a degree still are, that his offense could carry him through the Majors. Despite being a career .261 hitter, Mazara has hit no more than 20 homers in a season and never hit the .800 OPS mark.

The talent is still there, but with the Rangers roster currently set the way it is, playing Mazara everyday means taking away at-bats or defensive innings from other players who are performing. Joey Gallo has emerged as a potential star and while he is defensively versatile, his best long-term spot is likely right field which is the only spot Mazara fits. Willie Calhoun has also emerged as a premier big league hitter and while he isn’t a great defender, he’s outperforming Mazara at the plate. While it would sting for Texas to part with a former top prospect, allowing Gallo and Calhoun to get consistency at the plate and in the field may be the most beneficial course of action moving forward.