With openings in center field as well as first base and designated hitter, the Rangers are focused on adding a right-handed bat to help balance out their lineup at this week's Winter Meetings. They're thinking big, too. Free agent Mark Trumbo and Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler are reportedly among their targets.
Sources: Rangers have shown interest in Mark Trumbo. Just how strong it is remains to be seen, but Texas is looking for a right-handed bat.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) December 5, 2016
Rangers interested in Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler, the right-handed bat people say will come in the form of Encarnacion, Trumbo or Napoli
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) December 5, 2016
Ongoing neck trouble forced Prince Fielder to retire over the summer, and the Rangers could lose both center fielder Ian Desmond and first baseman Mitch Moreland to free agency this winter, so they have some lineup openings. That's good and bad. It gives the team flexibility, but that's three spots they need to address.
Obviously Edwin Encarnacion would be the big prize. He'd give the Rangers that big right-handed bat and is capable of slotting in at first base or DH. Texas would have to forfeit its first-round pick to sign him -- same with Trumbo -- not to mention give him a massive contract. Mike Napoli and Chris Carter are lower cost free agents who wouldn't require forfeiting a draft pick.
The Cubs are loaded with outfielders and Soler seems to be their most expandable piece. The 24-year-old has a ton of ability but has struggled with inconsistency. Trading him for pitching help would make sense on Chicago's end.
The problem is the Rangers don't have much pitching to spare. They're looking for arms themselves and have checked in with the Rays about Alex Cobb.
#Rangers have talked to #Rays about RHP Alex Cobb, who struggled late in 2016 in return from Tommy John surgery. But free agent after 2017.
— Jeff Wilson (@JeffWilson_FWST) December 5, 2016
A few weeks ago Texas added Andrew Cashner on a one-year contract, and he currently joins Cole Hamels, Yu Darvish, and Martin Perez in the rotation. A.J. Griffin is a candidate for the fifth spot for the time being. Needless to say, there's room for improvement.
The Rangers won 95 games and the AL West in 2016 -- they had the best record in the entire AL -- before being unceremoniously swept by the Blue Jays in the ALDS. With Darvish a year away from free agency and key veterans like Shin-Soo Choo, Adrian Beltre and Hamels still productive, now is the time for Texas to go for it. The Rangers' window with this group won't be open much longer.
