One big move the Rangers still need to make before 2025 Opening Day

The Texas Rangers' bullpen looks drastically different than it did last year. Gone are the likes of Kirby Yates, Andrew Chafin, Jose Leclerc and David Robertson. Newcomers include left-handers Hoby Milner and Robert Garcia, along with righties Chris Martin, Jacob Webb, Shawn Armstrong, Luke Jackson and Luis Curvelo.

That depth is nice, and should help make up for the 180+ appearances Robertson, Chafin and Leclerc made last year, but the team lacks a proven ninth-inning presence. One could emerge from the group, but if the Rangers don't want to roll the dice in the late innings and make the most of an AL West that appears to be ripe for the taking, a reunion with Robertson makes a ton of sense.

Last year with Texas, the right-hander made a team-high 68 appearances spanning 72 innings, working to a sterling 2.65 FIP and 12.4 K/9. He may not have closed with the Rangers, but he's filled the role with numerous clubs during his 16-year MLB career. Robertson has finished nearly 200 games and has been as reliable as they come in save situations (2.71 ERA, 1.117 WHIP, 12.2 K/9) — he just brings a level of experience this team is lacking.

Robertson, who represents himself in free agency, remains unsigned despite his impressive track record. It's unclear whether it's his age (he turns 40 next month) or an asking price has kept a team from bringing him into the fold, but if it's the latter, it stands to reason he might come down on his asking price.

The Rangers are reportedly nearly maxed out financially, which could explain why this reunion hasn't come together yet. Roster Resource has Texas at $235.6 million — less than $6 million under the first CBT threshold. Robertson made $10 million (and received a $1.5 million buyout this winter) on his last contract, so it's hard to believe he'd settle for half that amount in 2025.

But given the fact Opening Day is mere weeks away and he's still in search of a new home, maybe there's a deal to be had here — one where incentives can push the value higher. But one thing is clear: the Rangers could be top dog in the AL West this year. The front office can figure out the numbers. Choosing not to bring back Robertson simply cannot be why this team doesn't win the division and return to the postseason.