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3 last minute moves Texas Rangers can make before MLB work stoppage

By Seth Carlson |
Sep 10, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three-run RBI single during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three-run RBI single during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 10, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three-run RBI single during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 10, 2021; Oakland, California, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) hits a three-run RBI single during the second inning against the Texas Rangers at RingCentral Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Stan Szeto-USA TODAY Sports /

Barring a last second miracle, MLB will be entering a work stoppage starting on December 2, preventing the Texas Rangers and the other clubs from making any kind of player negotiation or transaction.

The Rangers, as you well know by now, have taken full advantage of the free agent frenzy that has accompanied the days leading up to the anticipated lockout. Since Sunday, they’ve signed Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, Jon Gray and Kole Calhoun for a grand total of $561 million. And they’re not finished adding yet.

Texas is reportedly interested in trading for one of the Cincinnati Reds’ available pitchers and the A’s slugging first baseman Matt Olson as they explore all avenues to improve their team ahead of the 2022 season.

With the work stoppage quickly approaching, here are three last-minute moves the Texas Rangers could make.

3 last minute Texas Rangers moves before the MLB work stoppage: Trade for Matt Olson

We all know how good Matt Olson is. And with the A’s making him available in trade, the Rangers are already looking to pick up the phone.

Worth almost six WAR in 2021, Olson slugged 39 long balls and posted a .911 OPS in a breakout season. His left-handed bat paired with Corey Seager would give Texas an enviable middle of the order, along with the powerful Marcus Semien.

Of course, Olson wouldn’t come cheap. The Rangers would likely have to send Nathaniel Lowe in any deal, since having two starting first baseman on the roster is redundant. I think they’d be happy to do that considering the caliber of player Olson is.

Perhaps Isiah Kiner-Falefa and prospects Justin Foscue, Luisangel Acuna and righty Ronny Henriquez are enough to move the needle for the Oakland A’s in addition to Lowe.

Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati.
Los Angeles Dodgers starting pitcher Clayton Kershaw (22) throws a pitch in the first inning of the MLB baseball game between the Cincinnati Reds and the Los Angeles Dodgers on Sunday, Sept. 19, 2021, at Great American Ball Park in Cincinnati. /

3 last minute moves for the Texas Rangers: Sign Clayton Kershaw

There’s long been a connection between the Rangers and Kershaw, and it’s widely expected that if the veteran lefty doesn’t return to LA, he could opt to return home to his native Dallas.

Kershaw would only cost the Rangers money instead of more prospects, which they would have to surrender in a deal to land, say, Luis Castillo or Sonny Gray of the Reds. He also does not have a qualifying offer attached.

Though the 33-year-old has injury concerns, including shoulder problems that sidelined him last season, he still managed to put up good numbers as per usual (3.55 ERA in 121.2 IP, 22 starts) and he is expected to be ready for spring training.

Texas signed Jon Gray, but he’s not an ace-type, and there’s still work to do in improving this pitching staff.

With manager Chris Woodward’s LA connection succeeding in helping bring Corey Seager to town (along with money) and his ace pedigree, Kershaw feels like the perfect starting rotation upgrade for the Rangers.

Sep 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of game one of a doubleheader at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 28, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets starting pitcher Marcus Stroman (0) pitches against the Miami Marlins during the first inning of game one of a doubleheader at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Andy Marlin-USA TODAY Sports /

3 last minute moves for the Texas Rangers: Sign Marcus Stroman

He defines himself as a “savage” and the Texas Rangers could use some of that alpha mentality and competitive nature in the clubhouse.

It’s time to sign Marcus Stroman.

Stroman was the Mets’ best pitcher in 2021 (after Jacob deGrom went down due to injury), pitching to a 3.02 ERA in 33 starts and 179 innings pitched.

You can never have too much insurance in the starting rotation, and with many of the Rangers’ top pitching prospects still at least a year away from actively contributing to the team, Stroman could help fill a pitching void in a major way.

This team also doesn’t have an ace, despite the Jon Gray signing.

Next. Jack Leiter approves of Rangers free agency. dark

In my opinion, it makes more sense to load up the payroll rather than deplete the farm system in making blockbuster trades, especially when it comes to pitchers. Why not sign Clayton Kershaw and Marcus Stroman, both of whom are better than Luis Castillo and Sonny Gray, and ensure your rotation is in good shape for a long time, while only having to commit dollars instead of seeing your former prospects dominate elsewhere.

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