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Rangers free agent watch

By Lorenzo Almanza

Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports
Nov 1, 2016; Cleveland, OH, USA; Cleveland Indians first baseman Mike Napoli reacts after striking out against the Chicago Cubs in the 8th inning in game six of the 2016 World Series at Progressive Field. Mandatory Credit: Ken Blaze-USA TODAY Sports /
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The 2016-2017 MLB off-season has started off with a bang, but there are a key number of interesting players who could end up in a Texas Rangers uniform.

There have been a key number of players linked to joining the Texas Rangers. As of now, the Rangers have only signed right handed pitcher Andrew Cashner. With pitching a top concern for the team, the 2016 AL West division winners also have their eyes set on other pitchers/hitters.

A key number of high-profile players have shown interest in the Rangers over the past month. If rumors hold true, one or multiple free-agents could find themselves in Arlington.

Texas Rangers Free Agent Radar:

Bleacher Report reports the Texas is one of several teams in contention for first baseman

Mike Napoli

. A household name, Napoli could end up in Texas for the third time in his career. For the Cleveland Indians last season, the first baseman batted .239 and finished the year with 34 homers, 101 RBIs and 133 hits.

More from Texas Rangers

The first base position is something Texas has a strong need for. Last year’s first baseman,

Mitch Moreland

, does not seem like he will be coming to the Rangers and the team strongly hopes Napoli can help fill the void Mitch left behind.

Lefty

Rich Hill

has also been linked to the Rangers. The Dallas Morrning News states that Texas has strong interest in Hill.Currently, The Texas Rangers do not have a serious third pitching option they can rely on. Starting pitching proved to be the team’s biggest weakness last season. Look no further than the postseason for evidence.

Hill could provide some major veteran experience as he has been around the MLB since 2005. The free-agent lefty started six games for the Los Angeles Dodgers last season. In those six games, Hill went 3-2 with a 1.83 ERA. Hill even earned a playoff victory in 2016; something none of the Rangers starters were capable of.

  • MLB.com reports that the Texas has shown some interest in former Blue Jays Designated Hitter/First baseman Edwin Encarnacion. The former Blue Jay is in high demand. His numbers back up why, as he batted with a .263 batting average for Toronto last season.His 42 homers and 127 RBIs also helped contribute to his high status in free agency. Encarnacion finished 14th in AL MVP voting this past year and made the AL All-Star roster as well. His value remains high, but only time will tell whether Texas will offer him a deal or not.

Trade Options:

Other players who could end up in Texas  not in free agency but through trade are: Andrew McCutchen and Chris Sale. Bleacher Reports links that the Texas Rangers are a potential option for outfielder Andrew McCutchen. General Manager of the Rangers Josh Daniels recently came out and said that the team’s two biggest needs are pitching and outfield.

Chris Sale’s name has surfaced as a valuable option for Texas for some time now. Both McCutchen and Sale will be worth high value. However, it’s unclear whether the Rangers are willing to give up high prospects for both players.

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The Rangers have been known to sign or trade for key known veteran players in the past. Only time will tell which players come to Texas and which don’t.

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