3 Rangers Who Will Be Replaced By Free Agent Signings
Texas Rangers fans are still riding the high that came from their 2023 World Series victory. At the same time, that celebration can't go on forever. The MLB offseason is officially underway and general manager Chris Young needs to do everything he can to ensure the Rangers compete for a championship next fall.
Even as the defending champions, there's always room for improvement. After all, Texas barely snuck into the American League playoffs with a 90-72 record. It can't afford to cut things as close in 2024, meaning upgrading the roster as much as possible is crucial in the coming months.
Fortunately, free agency can help with that goal. Here are three Rangers who must be replaced with free-agent signings this offseason.
3 Rangers Who Must Be Replaced in Free Agency
1. Mitch Garver
Some players don't need a ton of opportunities to produce, and Mitch Garver was an example of that this season.
The veteran slugger was back to beating the leather off the ball again, crushing 19 home runs despite playing just 87 games. His tremendous performance put him on pace for 35 HR in a 162-game schedule, which would've been a career-high.
But despite how much Rangers fans love Garver, the club is left with no choice but to replace him after opting not to extend him a qualifying offer, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi.
News: Mitch Garver did not receive the qualifying offer from the Rangers. @MLBNetwork @MLB
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) November 6, 2023
Considering how the 32-year-old played more games than anyone else as Texas' designated hitter (57) last year, the Rangers need a free-agent who can hit 20-30 home runs with ease. Fortunately, there's no shortage of options this winter with standout names like Jorge Soler and J.D. Martinez available.
And if Texas wants someone who can also play catcher, Gary Sanchez is an option. The veteran backstop has four seasons with at least 20 homers since 2016 and was on pace to hit 41 between the New York Mets and San Diego Padres in 2023.
At the end of the day, there isn't an excuse for the Rangers not having a suitable Garver replacement once Spring Training rolls around.