3 free agents the Texas Rangers already need to be thinking about in 2022

The 2021-22 off-season is currently locked out, and that’s no fun. We wanted the Texas Rangers‘ frenzy to continue on! Fortunately, it’s expected to assuming a new CBA gets hammered out.

Nothing’s guaranteed at the moment, though, which has us dreaming of a normal off-season next year when the two sides surely will have allowed a full season of baseball to be played, right? RIGHT?

Texas is looking to take a step forward in 2022 after a forgettable 2021, and that’s been loud and clear based on the $561 million they committed to free agents prior to the lockout. But if 2023 is truly their goal to return to the promised land, they’ll need a strategy for next off-season as well.

Here are three 2022-23 free agents the Texas Rangers need to be giving consideration to next winter.

3 free agents the Texas Rangers should already be targeting for next off-season

Joey Gallo

This one doesn’t need much explanation. After being traded to the Yankees for four prospects this past summer, Gallo struggled in New York and it’s very clear he won’t be sticking around there after the 2022 season.

So naturally the Rangers have to bring him back for 2023.

I don’t think Gallo ever wanted to leave Texas, and if it were up to him, he would’ve likely opted to remain in Arlington. And though he did get his first taste of postseason action with the Yankees in 2021, it didn’t go so well.

Clearly, the Rangers missed his presence in the lineup and clubhouse after his departure, but they’re better for having made that deal. It looks like a real winner at this point.

And the beauty of free agency is that he can be had back for just money.

Texas desperately needs a big bat in their outfield, and landing Seiya Suzuki in free agency this winter is not a sure thing. They better have contingency plans in place, and waiting to splash on Joey Gallo after the 2022 season would be far from a bad one.