Texas Rangers: Triple threat free agency decisions

Texas Rangers Free Agency Package 2 ($75 million AAV)

• Marcus Stroman (30), SP – 5 year/$115 million
• Corey Seager (27), SS – 10 year/$302 million
• Nick Castellanos (29), OF –  5 years /$110 million

This would be the Rangers’ more aggressive approach, as they take directly from the top. Each one of these younger players would be staples in the organization and have high standards set

Stroman will be 31 in May but seems to be on the verge of a breakout. Well as much of a breakout as a pitcher with his successful track record can have. The career owner of a 3.63 ERA, Marcus set a career-best 3.02 ERA over 179 innings in 2021. He’s gone over 200 innings twice in his career and is known as more of a ground ball pitcher, which should play well with Texas’ defense. He could be on the verge of multiple All-Star appearances and even CY Young contention

Seager is arguably the best available player this year. Over the past 147games (2 years), he’s hit 31 homers while batting .306 with 65 walks. Injury is a bit of a concern but his defense and bat are elite. He would be the centerpiece for the Rangers to build their offense around. You can’t expect a discount on the injury worry either with Scott Boras as his agent. However, the Rangers would be “winners” to get him away from the evil empires to the east (NYY) and west (LAD).

Castellanos is opting out of his deal with the Reds following a massive 2021. He corrected from a poor 2020 by hitting for a .309 average and powering in 34 home runs. He’s continued an upward offensive trajectory for the past few years while maintaining a status quo BABIP and hard-hit rate, meaning it’s not a fluke. He’s not getting lucky and he didn’t just have “a good year”, he’s getting better. Like Stroman, Nick is a one-time All-Star with the potential for many more ahead.