GM’ing the Texas Rangers into the 2023 World Series

3. Trade Hosmer away

Myers may get to play a full season in Arlington but Hosmer never gets the chance to suit up. He is quickly shipped off to Milwaukee. Hosmer COULD play first base for the Brew Crew but his defense has been highly suspect and is used primarily as their DH.

The deal also includes the Brewers paying $7 million for 2022 and $5 million for ’23-’25. Hosmer at nearly four years/$60 million is bad. Hosmer at four years/$22 million at DH is good. The Brewers are happy to bring him in and Texas is happy to shed some payroll while acquiring what could be a high-end reliever (just ask Brian Sweet) with a top 13 prospect in tow.

4. Trade for Matt Olson

My final and arguably most important move of this offseason would be acquiring one of the best first basemen in the game. It’s not that I don’t like Nathaniel Lowe, because I do and I believe he will be a fine first baseman for years. It’s that Olson is just that good. AND he is available in his prime which does not happen often.

Lowe going to Oakland in an Olson deal is almost a given. A’s need a replacement, Rangers don’t. Lowe is also young, controllable, and promising. As I said he will be good, he just isn’t Olson good. The A’s are also planning to send off multiple starting pitchers so exciting flame thrower A.J. Alexy would be welcomed. Foscue is the prize here though and could press to be their number 1 prospect.

I successfully pointed out to Mr. Beane the previous trades involving Kris Bryant, Joey Gallo, Javier Baez, Nolan Arenado, and even  Scherzer/Turner. Showing them their returns, Oakland opts for the larger return with lots of promise. Their farm system is rather weak and if they plan to trade away multiple big league pieces, they’ll need multiple in return.

The 2022 Texas Rangers team is assembled

This gives the Texas Rangers a much improved, but still lacking team at ~$167 million payroll for the 2022 season. The lineup and rotation could look a little something like:

1. Isiah Kiner-Falefa, DH
2. Corey Seager, SS
3. Marcus Semien, 2B
4. Matt Olson, 1B
5. Wil Myers, RF
6. Seiya Suzuki, CF
7. Kole Calhoun, LF
8. Josh Jung, 3B
9. J. Heim/J. Trevino, C

• Jon Gray
• Dane Dunning
• Taylor Hearn
• Glenn Otto
• Spencer Howard

That’s right, I let Josh Jung start off his career with a full season. Also along the way, I’d expect Cole Winn to be called up. Robert Hassell has another good season but isn’t brought up yet. Jack Leiter makes his professional debut and works his way to AA. I also make some position switches in the minors to the backlogged infielders. Both Duran and Smith find their way into the outfield.

It’s a competitive lineup with a relatively non-competitive rotation.