GM’ing the Texas Rangers into the 2023 World Series

Thanks to the MLB lockout, there hasn’t been much in the way of Texas Rangers rumors or news.

Without any of those pesky distractions (come back!), much thought has gone into how to get the Texas Rangers into the World Series.

The CBA negotiations, or lack thereof, have led to a state of perturbed tranquility. The irrational yet direct contemplations that accompany this disposition will be spewed out here in an effort to excite and actualize.

I won’t take too long to describe what I’m doing. It’s in the title for crying out loud. Though I’m definitely going to cheat a bit on the *day* aspect. I’m also going to be focusing on getting the Rangers into the 2023 World Series, for even in my own imagination I can’t quite create a team that gets it done in 2022.

GM’ing the Texas Rangers into the 2023 World Series

1. DON’T sign Kershaw, DO sign Suzuki

Heartbreak. An idea that just about everyone here at Nolan Writin’ and anyone who covers the Texas Rangers has talked about to great length, fails to come to fruition. Not for lack of trying though. I did offer him three years at $20 million AAV but he desires to retire a Dodger…and they pay him more. In a bit of a consolation prize, I continue to spread the Rangers’ generosity and sign Seiya Suzuki to a five-year, $65 million deal.

2. Trade for Eric Hosmer AND Wil Myers (Robert Hassell tags along)

Prior to the 2021 trade deadline, Texas nearly had a deal to send Joey Gallo to the Rangers West (Padres). Jon Daniels and Chris Young chose the larger and cheaper package from the Yankees. So the long-rumored deal with San Diego for highly touted prospect Robert Hassell is dead without a top-end player, right? WRONG. Hosmer’s $20 million this year and $59 million total isn’t the only albatross. Wil Myers is also signed for $20 million in 2022, though his contract does have a buy-out at the end of the season. However, with the collapse of 2021 fresh in the minds of the owners and fans, added pressure is applied to win now for AJ Preller. He makes the move to free up enough money to sign Nick Castellanos (or whoever they want).

To complete this transaction, The Padres also send $3 million for each of ’22-’25. The Rangers do have to eat all of Myers’ contract. The dream scenario is Myers improves his play and becomes a trade candidate but the reality is he continues to be average, plays out the year, and then I buy him out at the end of 2022. I do also lose burgeoning fan-favorite Garcia with Calhoun and Allard. This is necessary due to San Diego’s desire and need for a power corner OF, DH (yes they add it), and back-end starter/bullpen arms.