Rangers Chat: Free Agency, Trade Market, and 2017 Breakout Players
By Reid Hanson
In this edition of Rangers Chat we discuss building a roster through free agency, expected trading activity, and which players we think will breakout.
The off-season has been quiet for the Texas Rangers. Despite multiple needs across the roster, the Rangers have opted for small short-term deals this winter.
Could a big free agent signing be on the way?
That’s highly unlikely. I believe Texas is trying to cut costs and build a budget around re-signing both Yu Darvish and Jonathan Lucroy. Both players are free agents after the 2017 season and both are going to cost ridiculous money.
What are the odds the Rangers CAN re-sign one or both of them?
The odds are good considering the magnitude of the task. Catchers like Lucroy are hard to find and the Rangers don’t have anyone in the system close to stepping up. Daniels knows what it’s like building a platoon every year and Lucroy avoids that headache. Not only is he a great player and great teammate but he makes everyone around him better.
Throwing everything possible at Yu Darvish seems like a no-brainer as well. The Rangers are notorious for missing out on top-flight pitchers in free agency making the trade market and retainment the only way to build a rotation. The Rangers can’t let one of theirs slip away because they may never be able to replace him.
Related Story: Everything must revolve around Darvish and Lucroy
Will ownership be willing to up the payroll to get it done?
Ownership has been willing to do that so far and re-signing these two shouldn’t cause any abnormal hesitancy – beyond the normal hesitancy that involves two contract extensions likely totaling $300M. But I’m sure Jon Daniels and ownership have already had conversations and planning is in full effect.
Not only is Texas cutting payroll by not signing or re-signing players to multi-year deals this off-season, but they’ve cut some funds along the way as well. Derek Holland was let go ($10M) and Prince Fielder‘s disability insurance cuts their annual obligation in half as well ($9M).
Will the Rangers be players in any blockbuster trades?
I really don’t think so. They are going to be players but they need to preserve their farm system which is devoid of breakthrough talent. Texas has a handful of young players they will give opportunities to. Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua at first base, Jurickson Profar in the middle infield, and Chi Chi Gonzalez at starting pitching just to name a few.
So you don’t think Joey Gallo will be traded?
No, I believe Chris Davis is still on all of our minds. Like Gallo, he was strikeout prone but gifted in the power department. I think we are all praying for a similar career arch and willing to roll the dice and give him a legitimate shot this season.
Which young players are you expecting to thrive and which do you think will struggle this season?
I expect Joey Gallo and Ryan Rua to platoon at first base and I think Ryan Rua will be the one breaking out. Not that Gallo will fall flat, I just think he’s going to struggle with the same thing he always has – strikeouts.
Next: Who will play first base for the Rangers in 2017?
Nomar Mazara has already broken out and will have a great sophomore season. But Jurickson Profar is another player looking to see a lot of time this season and another player I believe will put it all together.