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3 free agents Texas Rangers could potentially sign without draft pick compensation

By Seth Carlson |
Sep 25, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos (2) hits a solo home run to win the game against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos (2) hits a solo home run to win the game against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
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Sep 25, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos (2) hits a solo home run to win the game against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 25, 2021; Cincinnati, Ohio, USA; Cincinnati Reds right fielder Nick Castellanos (2) hits a solo home run to win the game against the Washington Nationals in the ninth inning at Great American Ball Park. Mandatory Credit: Katie Stratman-USA TODAY Sports /

The league and the players seem to agree on little these days as the MLB lockout carries on. But in the few areas where they have compromised, one could be of significance to the Texas Rangers: the elimination of draft pick compensation for free agents.

In the prior CBA, it stipulated that teams who gave free agents a qualifying offer before leaving would receive draft pick compensation in return for the player’s departure. This new CBA, whenever it’s ratified, will do away with this practice.

That’s massive for teams like the Texas Rangers because it means the ability to spend freely without the risk of losing draft picks in the process. But while it remains to be seen whether the Rangers have to surrender draft picks for their pre-lockout expenditures, this rule change could drastically shake up Texas’ post-lockout strategy.

Here are three free agents that now become much more viable for the Texas Rangers without draft pick compensation.

3 free agents Texas Rangers could possibly sign without draft pick compensation

Nick Castellanos

The Rangers have long been linked to Nick Castellanos, but his price tag was reportedly out of most team’s ranges prior to the lockout. He was also slapped with a qualifying offer on his way out of Cincinnati this off-season, which combined with that high price tag, made him slightly less desirable.

But without that draft pick attached? Texas should jump back in the game.

Castellanos hit 34 homers in 2021, good for a .939 OPS and 136 OPS+, all elite marks. For a lineup that has improved greatly with the signings of Corey Seager and Marcus Semien, Castellanos would definitely make them better. He doesn’t add much with the glove, though, and the Rangers do need bodies in the outfield.

Still, the previous interest in Castellanos and now the potential for him to sign without draft compensation makes him much more appealing.

Sep 30, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an RBI single during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 30, 2021; New York City, New York, USA; New York Mets right fielder Michael Conforto (30) hits an RBI single during the third inning against the Miami Marlins at Citi Field. Mandatory Credit: Vincent Carchietta-USA TODAY Sports /

3 free agents Texas Rangers could sign without draft pick compensation

Michael Conforto

2021 was a down year offensively for Conforto, as he posted a .729 OPS and 101 OPS+ with the bat, along with 14 home runs. Those numbers are roughly league average. Not great for someone entering a walk year. But with draft pick compensation off the table, taking a gamble on the former Met might not be a bad idea.

Conforto is a solid player, and he plays a decent right field (better than Castellanos, at least). From a defensive standpoint, Conforto fits the Texas Rangers better than Castellanos does. It ultimately depends what the team is prioritizing more in free agency.

The Corey Seager and Marcus Semien signings seem to indicate a preference for more offensive-minded players, though it should be noted that the Rangers had one of the best defensive outfields in baseball in 2021. Because of the lineup upgrades already made, perhaps Conforto is the way to go for the outfield. He’d also come cheaper than Castellanos, and oh did we mention, no draft pick?

Nov 5, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman speaks during the World Series championship rally at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 5, 2021; Atlanta, GA, USA; Atlanta Braves first baseman Freddie Freeman speaks during the World Series championship rally at Truist Park. Mandatory Credit: John David Mercer-USA TODAY Sports /

3 free agents Texas Rangers could sign without draft pick compensation

Freddie Freeman

Here’s one you didn’t see coming: Freddie Freeman could now be on the table for the Texas Rangers in free agency.

It’s been known that Freeman and the Atlanta Braves haven’t necessarily seen eye-to-eye on a contract amount during the free agent period, and rumors are circulating that he could depart Atlanta for a team willing to meet his demands. That team could be the Texas Rangers.

Texas has been in on first baseman Matt Olson of the Oakland A’s as a trade target, and they’ll supplant Nathaniel Lowe at the position to make that happen. Olson is reportedly their preference should they move on from Lowe, but with the newly-added wrinkle of no draft pick compensation, does Freddie Freeman enter the conversation for the Rangers? He should.

Freeman is that guy. An MVP, a World Series champion, a perennial All-Star. One of the best in the game. Adding someone of his stature doesn’t come often, and he’d only cost money instead of assets like an Olson deal would. Imagine an infield of IKF/Jung, Seager, Semien and Freeman. It’s chilling to think about.

Next. Ibanez or Calhoun at DH for the 2022 Rangers?. dark

And no draft pick compensation makes him much more appealing as a target.

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