Texas Rangers: Roster flexibility leaves plenty of offseason options on the table

After a series of offseason moves, the Texas Rangers have now constructed a roster with enough flexibility to leave plenty of options on the table.

The Texas Rangers have made a number of moves thus far this offseason constructing a roster that is vastly improved from the one that finished 3rd in the AL West last season with a 78-84 record. From big moves including the addition of former Cy Young winner Corey Kluber, to under the radar deals like adding Todd Frazier to the infield mix, the Rangers have added options to help address their positional needs from last year.

While the front office of the Rangers has found a way to improve the roster, many fans are understandably frustrated with the lack of what many view to be an impact signing. Fans entered the offseason hopeful of seeing Anthony Rendon or Josh Donaldson make their way to Arlington, however both talented third basemen have signed, with the Angels and Twins respectively.

Despite missing out on the club’s assumed top two targets, Texas has drastically improved on their 2019 season while maintaining some roster and payroll flexibility to make further moves this offseason if they so desire. As of January 18th, some notable additions to the organization include…

• RHP Corey Kluber (starter)
• RHP Kyle Gibson (starter)
• RHP Jordan Lyles (starter)
• LHP Joely Rodriguez (relief)
• RHP Nick Goody (relief)
• C Robinson Chirinos
• 3B Todd Frazier
• RF Adolis Garcia

This offseason, Texas has added a trio of starting pitchers that give them one of the better rotations in the game as well as reuniting with Robinson Chirinos, a much needed improvement to the club’s catching tandem. Relievers Joely Rodriguez and Nick Goody add insurance to a bullpen that has seen some departures this offseason. Todd Frazier looks set to be the club’s go-to third baseman in 2020 while Adolis Garcia offers a low-cost outfield alternative if needed.

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With all these moves though, the Texas Rangers are still considered one of the most likely destinations for top remaining free agents Nick Castellanos and Marcell Ozuna. Additionally, they likely represent a possible trade destination for Pittsburgh’s Starling Marte or Boston’s Jackie Bradley Jr. if either of those players get dealt.

The Rangers are still looking at potential additions for the 2020 season and still have eyes on making the splash they intended to when the offseason starts. They’ve been in the mix for Colorado’s Nolan Arenado and once the grievance is resolved, could jump in the mix for Chicago’s Kris Bryant.

While some of these deals are more unlikely than others, the current roster construction means that players can shift positionally to accommodate an impact addition. If Texas is able to bring in either Arenado or Bryant to play third, new signing Todd Frazier can shift to a depth role platooning with Ronald Guzman at first base. If they pursue Nick Castellanos, it’s likely he would become the everyday first baseman while filling in occasionally at the outfield spots. Starling Marte or Jackie Bradley Jr. could slot into an everyday center field role returning Danny Santana to his super utility role.

Many still feel like the Rangers will make at least one more move, likely of significance, before the start of Spring Training. But, if they cannot find the right deal, the roster they currently possess would be much better than the one they ended last one with. This scenario is not one that would excite fans, but, it does leave the Texas Rangers confident of their long-term situation. Texas is still a club looking to climb the latter of contending in the league so making moves that impact competitiveness now and in the future is of the utmost importance.