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

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

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

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

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