Texas Rangers: Top 3 free agents to consider at each position

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Sep 28, 2021; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies shortstop Trevor Story (27) hits a solo home run against the Washington Nationals in the fifth inning at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports /

The Texas Rangers will have at least four openings caused by free agency this year. Time will tell if pitchers Mike Foltynewicz or Jordan Lyles will be offered new contracts with Texas. It also looks like Brock Holt and Charlie Culberson will be looking for new homes for 2022.

Free Agency begins one day after the conclusion of the World Series. Teams have a five day window to negotiate with their own players. Five days after the World Series, the free agency signing period begins.

This year, there are plenty of outstanding players available and the Texas Rangers should be primed to take full advantage. Here is a look at who I believe are the top 3 free agents at each position.

Texas Rangers top free agent options at catcher

The Texas Rangers will most likely go with Jose Trevino and Jonah Heim to start the season. Sam Huff is waiting in the wings, and will most likely need some catching time at AAA before he becomes a viable option at the MLB level. Huff saw limited action at catcher in the Arizona Fall League so, it appears that he may not be ready to assume full-time catching duties to start next season.

Here are some options if Texas decides to go outside the organization (All stats provided by Baseball Reference).

Buster Posey (2022 club option, $22,000,000)

Age: 34
2021 Team: San Francisco Giants
2021 Salary: $22,177,778
GP: 113
HR: 18
RBI: 56
SB: 0
AVG: .304

Mike Zunino (2022 club option, $7,000,000)

Age: 30
2021 Team: Tampa Bay Rays
2021 Salary: 2,000,000
GP: 109
HR: 33
RBI: 62
SB: 0
AVG: .216

Manny Pina

Age: 34
2021 Team: Milwaukee Brewers
2021 Salary: $1,650,000
GP: 75
HR: 13
RBI: 33
SB: 0
AVG: .189

HOUSTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 07: Freddie Freeman #5 of the Atlanta Braves fields a ground ball by Magneuris Sierra #34 of the Miami Marlins during the fifth inning in Game Two of the National League Division Series at Minute Maid Park on October 07, 2020 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Bob Levey/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers top free agent options at first base

Texas looks pretty solid with their internal first base options. Nathaniel Lowe is coming off his first full season at the MLB level. If the Rangers decide to add insurance, look no further than Sam Huff or Curtis Terry.

The best free agent option is Freddie Freeman. Last week, Freeman indicated that he wants to stay in Atlanta.

Freddie Freeman

Age: 32
2021 Team: Atlanta Braves
2021 Salary: $22,359,375
GP: 159
HR: 31
RBI: 83
SB: 8
AVG: .300

Brandon Belt

Age: 33
2021 Team: San Francisco Giants
2021 Salary: $17,200,000
GP: 97
HR: 29
RBI: 59
SB: 3
AVG: .274

Yuli Gurriel (2022 club option, $8,000,000)

Age: 37
2021 Team: Houston Astros
2021 Salary: $6,500,000
GP: 143
HR: 15
RBI: 81
SB: 1
AVG: .319

Sep 29, 2021; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; Toronto Blue Jays second baseman Marcus Semien (10) rounds the bases after hitting a two-run home run against New York Yankees in the first inning at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: Dan Hamilton-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers top free agent options at second base

Second base is a position with limited stability at the MLB level for the Rangers. Nick Solak started the most games at second base for Texas. Andy Ibanez is also an option.

Marcus Semien would be an upgrade to any team but, it is going to be expensive to sign him. At 31, Semien is probably looking at 5-years and $25M per season.

Marcus Semien

Age: 31
2021 Team: Toronto Blue Jays
2021 Salary: $18,000,000
GP: 162
HR: 45
RBI: 102
SB: 15
AVG: .265

Cesar Hernandez (2022 club option, $6,000,000)

Age: 31
2021 Team: Chicago White Sox
2021 Salary: $5,000,000
GP: 149
HR: 21
RBI: 62
SB: 1
AVG: .232

Donovan Solano

Age: 33
2021 Team: San Francisco Giants
2021 Salary: $3,250,000
GP: 101
HR: 7
RBI: 31
SB: 2
AVG: .280

ARLINGTON, TEXAS – OCTOBER 02: Yonny Hernandez #65 of the Texas Rangers tags out Jose Ramirez #11 of the Cleveland Indians while Ramirez tries to steal second base in the top of the first inning at Globe Life Field on October 02, 2021 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers top free agent options at third base

The Rangers used Brock Holt and Charlie Culberson at third base for most starts in 2021. The future of third base is Josh Jung.

Any option outside the organization will be very expensive and possibly not an upgrade over Jung. If the Rangers could sign one of the top third basemen for 1-2 years, this would allow Jung to get more seasoning before he is promoted to the Rangers full-time.

Jose Ramirez (two club options, 2022 $11,000,000, 2023 $13,000,000)

Age: 29
2021 Team: Cleveland Guardians
2021 Salary: $9,400,000
GP: 152
HR: 36
RBI: 103
SB: 27
AVG: .266

Nolan Arenado (can opt out after 2021 or 2022)

Age: 30
2021 Team: St. Louis Cardinals
2021 Salary: $35,000,000
GP: 157
HR: 34
RBI: 105
SB: 2
AVG: .255

Kyle Seager (2022 club option, $20,000,000)

Age: 33
2021 Team: Seattle Mariners
2021 Salary: $18,500,000
GP: 159
HR: 35
RBI: 101
SB: 3
AVG: .212

Oct 31, 2021; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; Houston Astros shortstop Carlos Correa (1) hits an RBI double against the Atlanta Braves during the third inning of game five of the 2021 World Series at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers top free agent options at shortstop

The Rangers are happy with Isiah Kiner-Falefa as their primary shortstop. If they are unable to obtain a second baseman, the Rangers could sign Correa or Story and move Kiner-Falefa to second base. This is a story to follow as the free agency period gains traction.

Carlos Correa

Age: 27
2021 Team: Houston Astros
2021 Salary: $11,700,000
GP: 148
HR: 26
RBI: 92
SB: 0
AVG: .279

Trevor Story

Age: 28
2021 Team: Colorado Rockies
2021 Salary: $18,500,000
GP: 142
HR: 24
RBI: 75
SB: 20
AVG: .251

Corey Seager

Age: 27
2021 Team: LA Dodgers
2021 Salary: $13,750,000
GP: 95
HR: 16
RBI: 57
SB: 1
AVG: .306

SAN FRANCISCO, CALIFORNIA – OCTOBER 09: Kris Bryant #23 of the San Francisco Giants dives to catch a fly ball in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during Game 2 of the National League Division Series at Oracle Park on October 09, 2021 in San Francisco, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers top free agent options in left field

The Rangers have been without a regular left fielder for several years. DJ Peters, Willie Calhoun, and Eli White are the possibilities going into free agency.

Any of the top free agent left fielders would be an upgrade for the Rangers. This is one area Texas will be looking to solidify through free agency.

Kris Bryant

Age: 29
2021 Team: San Francisco Giants
2021 Salary: $19,500,000
GP: 144
HR: 25
RBI: 73
SB: 10
AVG: .265

Mark Canha

Age: 32
2021 Team: Oakland A’s
2021 Salary: $6,925,000
GP: 141
HR: 17
RBI: 61
SB: 12
AVG: .231

Kyle Schwarber (2022 mutual option, $11,000,000)

Age: 28
2021 Team: Boston Red Sox
2021 Salary: $7,000,000
GP: 113
HR: 32
RBI: 71
SB: 1
AVG: .266

Oct 2, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics center fielder Starling Marte (2) hits an RBI triple during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers top free agent options in center field

Adolis Garcia and Leody Taveras return to the Texas lineup in 2022. Taveras is on a short leash and needs to start getting on base if he ever wants to be a full-time player in MLB. Garcia is terrific defensively no matter where he plays in the outfield.

If the Rangers can sign Marte away from Oakland, Garcia can move to right field and the Rangers would be better offensively. This signing makes the most sense despite Marte being 33 on Opening Day.

Starling Marte

Age: 33
2021 Team: Oakland A’s
2021 Salary: $12,500,000
GP: 120
HR: 12
RBI: 55
SB: 47
AVG: .310

Chris Taylor

Age: 31
2021 Team: LA Dodgers
2021 Salary: $7,800,000
GP: 148
HR: 20
RBI: 73
SB: 13
AVG: .254

Brett Gardner (2022 player/club option, $2,300,000)

Age: 38
2021 Team: New York Yankees
2021 Salary: $2,850,000
GP: 140
HR: 10
RBI: 39
SB: 4
AVG: .222

PITTSBURGH, PA – OCTOBER 02: Nick Castellanos #2 of the Cincinnati Reds hits a solo home run in the fifth inning during the game against the Pittsburgh Pirates at PNC Park on October 2, 2021 in Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania. (Photo by Justin Berl/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers top free agent options in right field

The Rangers currently have Garcia penciled in to play right field next year. If Castellanos opts out of his final year with Cincinnati, he could sign a long-term deal with Texas and move Garcia to center.

Nick Castellanos (can opt out after 2021)

Age: 29
2021 Team: Cincinnati Reds
2021 Salary: $16,000,000
GP: 138
HR: 34
RBI: 100
SB: 3
AVG: .309

Avisail Garcia (2022 mutual option, $12,000,000)

Age: 30
2021 Team: Milwaukee Brewers
2021 Salary: $10,750,000
GP: 135
HR: 29
RBI: 86
SB: 8
AVG: .262

Michael Conforto

Age: 28
2021 Team: New York Mets
2021 Salary: $12,250,000
GP: 125
HR: 14
RBI: 55
SB: 1
AVG: .232

Oct 7, 2021; St. Petersburg, Florida, USA; Tampa Bay Rays designated hitter Nelson Cruz warms up before game one of the 2021 ALDS at Tropicana Field. Mandatory Credit: Kim Klement-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers top free agent options at designated hitter

The best teams have outstanding designated hitters. Currently, Texas has Calhoun, Pozo, Ibanez and Terry available to DH. I believe that Calhoun will be the regular DH on Opening Day.

At 41, Nelson Cruz is still an excellent DH. He is very familiar with Texas but, the Rangers need to stay younger during their rebuild. Mitch Moreland is also a familiar face but, Texas will likely pass on the 36-year old. J.D. Martinez may opt out of his deal with Boston but, Texas is probably not a possibility.

Nelson Cruz

Age: 41
2021 Team: Tampa Bay Rays
2021 Salary: $13,000,000
GP: 140
HR: 32
RBI: 86
SB: 3
AVG: .265

J.D. Martinez (can opt out after 2021)

Age: 34
2021 Team: Boston Red Sox
2021 Salary: $19,375,000
GP: 148
HR: 28
RBI: 99
SB: 0
AVG: .286

Mitch Moreland

Age: 36
2021 Team: Oakland A’s
2021 Salary: $2,250,000
GP: 81
HR: 10
RBI: 30
SB: 0
AVG: .227

ATLANTA, GEORGIA – OCTOBER 17: Max Scherzer #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers pitches against the Atlanta Braves in the first inning of Game Two of the National League Championship Series at Truist Park on October 17, 2021 in Atlanta, Georgia. (Photo by Kevin C. Cox/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers top free agent options: Right-handed starting pitchers

Texas is in need of starting pitching. Dane Dunning and Taylor Hearn are currently the best internal options at the top of the rotation. Jon Daniels indicated last week that they would not spend significant money on pitching.

Texas will likely sign two starters in the middle or lower tiers of starters to fill out the rotation. Scherzer, Gausman, and Stroman are probably too expensive for the Rangers to even consider for next year.

Max Scherzer

Age: 37
2021 Team: LA Dodgers
2021 Salary: $42,142,857
GS: 30
W-L: 15-4
IP: 179.1
H: 119
ER: 49
BB: 36
SO: 236
ERA: 2.46

Kevin Gausman

Age: 30
2021 Team: San Francisco Giants
2021 Salary: $18,900,000
GS: 33
W-L: 14-6
IP:192.0
H:150
ER: 60
BB: 50
SO: 227
ERA: 2.81

Marcus Stroman

Age: 30
2021 Team: New York Mets
2021 Salary: $18,900,000
GS: 33
W-L: 10-13
IP: 179
H: 161
ER: 60
BB: 44
SO: 158
ERA: 3.02

Texas Rangers top free agent options: Left-handed starting pitchers

If the Rangers want to invest in a starting pitcher, Carlos Rodon would be an excellent option. Last year, Rodon was terrific. He will fetch a considerable increase in salary but, he may be in the price range for the Rangers to consider.

Carlos Rondon

Age: 28
2021 Team: Chicago White Sox
2021 Salary: $3,000,000
GS: 24
W-L: 13-5
IP: 132.2
H: 91
ER: 35
BB: 36
SO: 185
ERA: 2.37

Clayton Kershaw

Age: 33
2021 Team: LA Dodgers
2021 Salary: $31,000,000
GS: 22
W-L: 10-8
IP: 121.2
H: 103
ER: 48
BB: 21
SO: 144
ERA: 3.55

Eduardo Rodriguez

Age: 28
2021 Team: Boston Red Sox
2021 Salary: $8,300,000
GS: 31
W-L: 13-8
IP: 157.2
H: 172
ER: 83
BB: 47
SO: 185
ERA: 4.74

CHICAGO, IL – SEPTEMBER 15: Raisel Iglesias #32 of the Los Angeles Angels pitches against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on September 15, 2021 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jamie Sabau/Getty Images) /

Texas Rangers top free agent options: Right-handed relief pitchers

The Texas bullpen is pretty set going into the winter. Joe Barlow, Jharel Cotton, Spencer Patton, Josh Sborz, and Dennis Santana round out the right side of the bullpen.

By the All-Star break, Jose Leclerc and Jonathan Hernandez will also be ready to contribute after injuries derailed each of them for the entire 2021 season.

If the Rangers do make an addition, Raisel Iglesias would be an excellent option. At 31, Iglesias is durable, having pitched in 65 games in 2021. His 34 saves also placed him 2nd in the AL in that category.

Raisel Iglesias

Age: 31
2021 Team: LA Angels
2021 Salary: $3,500,000
W-L: 7-5
IP: 70.0
H: 53
ER: 20
BB: 12
SO: 103
ERA: 2.57
SV/SVO: 34/39

Kenley Jansen

Age: 34
2021 Team: LA Dodgers
2021 Salary: $20,000,000
W-L: 4-4
IP: 69.0
H: 36
ER: 17
BB: 36
SO: 86
ERA: 2.22
SV/SVO: 38/43

Craig Kimbrel (2022 club option, $16,000,000)

Age: 33
2021 Team: Chicago White Sox
2021 Salary: $16,000,000
W-L: 4-5
IP: 59.2
H: 31
ER: 15
BB: 23
SO: 100
ERA: 2.26
SV/SVO: 24/29

Texas Rangers top free agent options: Left-handed relief pitchers

The Texas bullpen is also fairly strong from the left side. Kolby Allard, Brett Martin, and John King where the main left-handed relievers in 2021. Moving forward, Brock Burke is also a possibility.

Take a look below at the best left-handed relievers that Texas could consider this offseason.

Aaron Loup

Age: 33
2021 Team: New York Mets
2021 Salary: $3,000,000
W-L: 6-0
IP: 56.2
H: 37
ER: 9
BB: 16
SO: 57
ERA: 0.95
SV/SVO: 0/4

Andrew Chafin

Age: 31
2021 Team: Oakland A’s
2021 Salary: $2,250,000
W-L: 2-4
IP: 68.2
H: 45
ER: 14
BB: 19
SO: 64
ERA: 1.83
SV/SVO: 5/8

Jose Alvarez

Age: 32
2021 Team: San Francisco Giants
2021 Salary: $1,050,000
W-L: 5-2
IP: 64.2
H: 53
ER: 17
BB: 19
SO: 42
ERA: 2.37
SV/SVO: 0/0

Next. Scary decisions in free agency for the Texas Rangers. dark

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