Texas Rangers Free Agent Edition: Who stays and Who goes?

The Texas Rangers have a key number of free agents this upcoming off-season, so while many had an impact for Texas this year not everyone will get to stay. Who stays and who goes?

Like any off-season the Texas Rangers have many questions they will have to answer along the way. While the Rangers’ next game won’t be until April 3, 2017 it is never too early to see which free agents Texas could sign and which ones they could let walk away.

Outfielder Ian Desmond

The Rangers had two All-Stars represent them this past season. One of them was first time outfielder Ian Desmond. The former shortstop made the transition to outfield this year as Texas asked him to do so. Desmond fulfilled his role just fine batting with a .285 batting average and proved to be a key asset for Texas.

However, his numbers did not transition into the playoffs as he finished with a .215 BA. Against Toronto, Desmond only had three hits the entire series. With a healthy Shin-Soo Choo coming back and rookie Nomar Mazara showing promise, it’s anyone’s guess what Texas will do with Desmond. This also factors into whether Carlos Gomez comes back, too.

Outfielder Carlos Gomez

This leads into question the Rangers’ other free agent outfielder, Carlos Gomez. Gomez came to Texas in the later half of the season, filling the void Texas needed. After having a rough start in Houston, Gomez experienced a cleansing by coming to Arlington.

After batting .210 in Houston, his average jumped to a .284 with the Rangers. Gomez played terrific defense in the outfield, including some fantastic plays in the playoffs. However, his batting numbers failed to contribute, managing just two hits the entire series against the Blue Jays. While Choo and Mazara seem like a lock in the outfield, Gomez may actually come back if the price is right. He, himself has even expressed his interest to come back with the Rangers.

Prediction: Gomez re-signs with the Rangers at a minimum price.

Catcher Jonathan Lucroy

Another newcomer for the Rangers this year was All-Star catcher Jonathan Lucroy. After coming to Texas, Lucroy struggled a bit getting communication down with the Rangers’ bullpen. Towards the end of the season though, Lucroy’s All-Star potential began to show as he became a key contributor down the stretch for Texas. Against the Blue Jays, he struggled blocking balls in the dirt. But, another season in Texas could be just what the catcher needs to revamp his game to another level.

Prediction: Lucroy signs a long term deal with Texas.

Outfielder Carlos Beltran

Like Lucroy , Texas acquired Carlos Beltran at the trade deadline. With the Yankees this season, Beltran made his eighth All-Star appearance, but his batting average failed to stay above .300 when he came to Texas. His numbers continued to drop in the postseason. In 12 plate appearances, Beltran managed just one RBI and a walk. With Beltran’s numbers failing to stay consistent and his age becoming factor, it is unlikely the Rangers bring back the designated hitter.

Prediction: Beltran does not re-sign with Texas

First Baseman Mitch Moreland

Mitch Moreland has been with the Texas Rangers since 2010. In his time with the Rangers, Moreland has continued to be the guy Texas can rely on time in and time out. Moreland is not your All-Star caliber player, nor is he a dominant hitter. He has yet to finished a season with a .300 average or better. While his average dropped a bit this season, he continued to be the first baseman Texas could rely on. It’s likely Texas lets Moreland walk away if another first baseman crossed their path. Whether they allow that to happen is the big question.

Prediction: Moreland likely stays with the Rangers

Right-handed Starting Pitcher Colby Lewis

Colby Lewis‘s major league career began with the Texas Rangers in 2002. After a brief stint pitching in Japan, Lewis has been the pitcher the Rangers could lean on every year. This past season, Lewis missed a good chunk of games on the 60-day disabled List with a strained right muscle. The Rangers pitcher began the season 5-0 before his injury. Lewis struggled to get his groove back. He managed to last just two inning in his only playoff start. Despite injuries being a huge concern for Lewis, it’s still likely Texas will bring back their veteran starter for another shot.

Prediction: Lewis re-signs with Texas on a one year deal.

Next: Cowboys win against Bengals

Like any season, not everyone re-signs with their past team. For the Texas Rangers, they will have some tough decisions to make as they look to contend for a title again next season.

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Texas Rangers: Who stays and Who goes?

By Lorenzo Almanza | Oct 11, 2016