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

BySeth 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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Texas Rangers Clayton Kershaw
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.

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