Texas Rangers: No new headliners signed, no problem
By Reid Hanson
The Texas Rangers started their offseason with a bang when they signed Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Jon Gray to a record setting $561.2 million – the most money ever inked in professional baseball on a single day. This all coming before the lockout that lasted too long (but could have easily lasted longer).
Many wondered if the Texas Rangers would continue their spending ways and announce more headlining acts to their 2022 US Tour. After all, they were confirmed to be in the Clayton Kershaw conversation, they were in the Matt Olson rumors, and just a couple days ago they were in the Trevor Story sweepstakes. They were certainly willing to add to their already impressive offseason haul.
With the big names off the board the Texas Rangers are perfectly content rolling into 2022 with the headliners they have.
Seager and Semien fundamentally change the Texas Rangers right where it matters the most. With arguably the best middle infield in MLB, the Rangers are raising expectations and elevating the excitement in the north Texas fanbase.
With more than just a pretty new stadium to draw fans, the Rangers can now attract their live audience with the names on the marquee. While it would have been nice to add local talents like Story and Kershaw, the names they have headlining already are more than enough to drum up interest.
And based on the signings the Texas Rangers have been able to make since the lockout ended, this tour won’t solely be carried by the headliners but rather supported by a better overall team.
Brad Miller joins the outfield but could also platoon at 3B depending how things turn out. Matt Carpenter was added for what appears to be insurance at 3B and essentially raises the floor on what could eventually transpire.
Garrett Richards joins the bullpen as a reliable veteran with the ability to pitch multiple innings. Mitch Garver comes over as a great hitting catcher looking to rebound. Dan Winkler and Greg Holland round out the arms added.
While it would have been nice to add more big name signings to the roster, it’s not needed and frankly offers diminishing returns.
The kinds of changes we’re seeing to the roster this year have to be implemented, observed, and assessed. Things are going to change dramatically between now and next autumn, it’s wise for the Rangers to make incremental improvements until they’ve seen how things start to shake out.
Must Read. Marcus Semien is due for some regression this season. light
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