4 free agents with shrinking markets who suddenly make sense for Rangers

As pitchers and catchers get set to report to spring training in two weeks, a handful of free agents still have choices to make and they are bordering on dangerous, prove-it deal territory. Luckily, that helps the Texas Rangers out a lot.

Obviously something has been hampering the remaining free agents from being unsigned in the final weeks of January. For some, it was a disappointing 2025 season or it might be their injuries or buyers just not being interested in what players are selling.

The Rangers are in the midst of a dramatic lowering of payroll, which is currently projected to be $218 million. The longer these free agents sit on the open market, the lower the prices get and Texas could get a reliable player for a discount.

4 free agents with shrinking markets who suddenly make sense for Rangers

Zac Gallen, RHP

The former Diamondbacks' ace is likely the last option for Texas given he's still likely to demand a decent AAV even if the deal is for a short one or two years. However, the fact Gallen is still a free agent is a promising sign Texas could sway him.

Despite the tough 2025 season, the 30-year-old has been one of the most consistent pitchers in baseball over the last few seasons. He's started at least 20 games since the 2021 season and has appeared in 34, 28 and 33 games the last three seasons.

His career ERA of 3.58 is 14th-best among active pitchers in the league and has also recorded over 1,000 strikeouts 66 wins and a 20 WAR in seven big league seasons. Adding Gallen to a rotation of Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter and MacKenzie Gore.

Austin Hays, OF

Hays is actually one of the best fits on the list given his versatility in the outfield. While Texas has the three spots "locked up" heading into spring, Evan Carter is also battling back from injuries and unfortunately remains a question mark until proven otherwise.

Hays, 30, hit .266 with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, 16 doubles and a 105 OPS+ in 103 games with the Reds in 2025, while playing left field and DHing. But throughout his eight year career he's played all three outfield spots.

A reason Texas wouldn't be interested in bringing on Hays would be the bench they have well supports the desire to shift around the outfield, if needed. During the offseason, the Rangers brought Sam Haggerty and Michael Helman, which if they perform as well as they did in 2024 they would more than suffice if one of Wyatt Langford, Brandon Nimmo or Carter were to need time off.

Marcell Ozuna, DH

Long rumored to be a free agent or trade interest of the Rangers, the 35-year-old DH is still out on the open market after a six year stint in Atlanta.

Strictly a DH now, it would be tough to convince Chris Young and the rest of the front office to go after Ozuna with the $18.5 million they have committed to Joc Pederson but also Pederson is entering spring training on very thin ice.

Despite the numbers declining in 2025 for Ozuna, he still git .232 with 21 home runs, 68 RBIs, 19 doubles and walked 94 times to the tune of a .355 OPS in 145 games. Given his age and his less productive year, Texas would be able to get him for a cheaper price, despite being valued at $13 million.

Nick Martinez, RHP

Prior to the Gore trade, Martinez graced our coverage as a potential under-the-radar option for Texas to explore for their backend rotation or bullpen depth. Which is what makes Martinez a more viable option than Gallen.

A former Rangers' draft pick, Martinez has transitioned over the last couple of seasons to be a combo starter-bullpen option. His 2024 and 2025 season with the Reds had the 35-year-old appear in 82 games, half of which he started. While his 2025 wasn't as strong as '24, he still recorded one of the league's best walk and hard-hit rates.

If Texas found a way to sign him, he'd be competing with Jacob Latz as the team's fifth starter. The "loser" of that battle would essentially transition to a bullpen role, likely to the degree that Latz played last year.