Rangers should consider these four non-tendered players

Hansel Robles

Rangers fans might be more familiar with this name.

Right-handed reliever Hansel Robles served as the closer for the Los Angeles Angels in 2019, racking up 23 saves and a 2.88 FIP over 72.2 innings pitched that season.

Robles arrived in Anaheim after a 2018 mid-season trade with the New York Mets, in which a change of scenery proved to make a world of difference for the veteran right-hander. He finished 2018 with a 3.22 FIP (2.97 ERA) in 36.1 innings pitched out of the Angels bullpen.

Robles really struggled in 2020, however, posting an alarmingly high 10.26 ERA over 16.2 innings pitched for the Angels. His 5.89 FIP suggests he wasn’t as bad as that ugly ERA indicates, but it’s still unflattering nonetheless.

Normally, teams like the Rangers with no plans to immediately contend would stay away from signing relievers in the off-season, as they have no real need for them.

Still, Robles could stand to benefit from a second change of scenery. His stuff and pure talent is evident. He’d also come cheap, fitting into the Rangers’ budgetary restrictions. Lastly (and probably most importantly) if Robles regains anything close to his 2018 and 2019 form, the Rangers could deal him mid-season in 2021 for young talent as they embark on a rebuild.