The 2019 season, in many ways, was a pleasant surprise for the Rangers. While the season’s second half was forgettable in terms of the club’s record, the Rangers saw some individual performances that offered encouragement heading into 2020. Mike Minor and Lance Lynn had impressive seasons while pitching on affordable contracts. Joey Gallo proved himself capable of handling an outfield spot — perhaps even center field. Willie Calhoun rebounded and looks like a quality bat moving forward. Minor league pickups Danny Santana and Hunter Pence enjoyed terrific seasons, and Santana can be controlled through 2021. One of the prior offseason’s bargain pickups, Chris Martin, was flipped to the Braves for a potential long-term option in the rotation (Kolby Allard).
At the same time, one can’t ignore the team’s second-half slide or the ugly seasons turned in by a number of players the organization once tabbed as building blocks. Elvis Andrus and, in particular, Rougned Odor had poor seasons. Ronald Guzman didn’t step up and seize the team’s first base job. Most of the team’s fliers on low-cost pitching acquisitions (e.g. Shelby Miller, Drew Smyly, Edinson Volquez) failed to pan out, and the farm system didn’t yield better alternatives. For all the bright spots, the Rangers have clear areas in which they need to improve.
That was a focal point for president of baseball operations Jon Daniels in meeting with the media in today’s postmortem press conference (link via Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram). The season offered some undeniable bright spots, but the club also has a “clear opportunity” for some upgrades at third base, first base and in the rotation, Daniels said. Of the team’s needs, third base and the rotation standing out as “probably the top two on the list,” Daniels said before also citing catcher and the bullpen as positions that could at least use some depth additions.
Third base indeed seems like a prime spot for the Rangers to pursue upgrades; Texas third basemen hit .243/.310/.389 this season, which, when accounting for their hitter-friendly home park, translates to a paltry 76 wRC+ — or 24 percent worse than a league-average hitter. Deadline pickup Nick Solak could be an intriguing option, but there are questions about his glovework and he’s tallied just 135 plate appearances in the Majors.
In the rotation, the Rangers don’t have much in the way of options beyond Minor, Lynn and Allard. Adrian Sampson and Ariel Jurado scarcely kept their ERAs under 6.00, and many of the team’s top pitching prospects have battled injuries. That trend, in fact, will continue to a minor extent with top pitching prospect Hans Crouse undergoing surgery to remove a bone spur from his pitching elbow (Twitter link via Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News). Crouse isn’t expected to have his 2020 availability impacted, and he won’t be an option given that he’s yet to pitch in Double-A. But the team’s general lack of upper-level pitching depth should force them into pursuing some rotation additions in free agency and/or trade.
The extent to which the Rangers can look for reinforcements in free agency will be determined by how much ownership allows Daniels & Co. to spend this winter. While there’s no specific budget in place, Daniels made clear that he’ll have more resources at his disposal this winter. “Our major-league payroll will be up from where it was this year,” said Daniels, adding that he hasn’t been given a firm number to beyond that but more of a “general range.”
The Texas organization spent much of the 2018-19 offseason working to cut payroll and managed to dip its Opening Day mark to a bit more than $118MM — the lowest point since way back in 2011. The Rangers’ high-water mark for payroll came with 2017’s Opening Day mark of $165MM. A return to those heights can’t be assumed, but that probably provides a rough idea of a ceiling (even if it’s safer to assume a more modest total).
Whatever the number, the Rangers should have the freedom to try to pursue a wide number of free agents. If Gerrit Cole and Anthony Rendon are deemed too expensive, the market will bear some high-caliber fallbacks in the form of Madison Bumgarner, Zack Wheeler and Josh Donaldson. Texas could certainly backload any free-agent additions such that the salary escalates more aggressively in 2021 when Shin-Soo Choo, Minor, Jesse Chavez and Jeff Mathis are off the books.
Alternatively, trading from their surplus of left-handed-hitting corner outfielders could free up some additional space. Daniels acknowledged as much in candid fashion, stating that “when everyone’s healthy we have more left-handed-hitting corner guys than we have spots.” He cautioned that a trade isn’t a foregone conclusion but is also something he’ll have to explore.
Surely, the Rangers would be loath to move either Gallo or Calhoun, but Choo and his $21MM salary or the perennially underwhelming Mazara (.268/.318/.469, 94 wRC+ in 2019) could make sense. Choo is overpaid, to be sure, but he still posted a .265/.371/.455 line with 24 home runs in 660 plate appearances. Mazara, meanwhile, has never delivered on his premium prospect pedigree but still won’t turn 25 until next April despite having four years of MLB service. Other teams will quite likely view him as a buy-low candidate given that pedigree, his modest salary — he’ll earn a raise on this year’s $3.3MM price — and the fact that he’s controlled through 2021.
It’s also worth noting that at a time of year that is frequently punctuated by turnover in the coaching department, the Rangers won’t be making any changes. MLB.com’s T.R. Sullivan tweets that Daniels has invited all of manager Chris Woodward’s coaching staff back for the 2020 season. So while the composition of the Rangers’ roster will quite likely look quite a bit different in 2020, the group guiding that roster should be a source of stability.
Priggs89
Still don’t hate the idea of Mazara to the White Sox. Odds are he’ll never turn into more than what he is now, but he’s a young, left-handed hitting RF with pop. They could do a lot worse than taking a flier on him.
ChiSoxCity
Why is everyone wanting the White Sox to trade for these mediocre OF and pitchers? There’s a reason the Rangers want to trade him. He sucks! Same with Joc Pederson and Matthew Boyd and the list goes on. The White Sox would do well to steer clear of marginal/mediocre players who’ll do nothing but take up space and block prospects on the roster. Even Yasiel Puig, who actually productive, should be avoided. His attitude and questionable work ethic is not a good fit for a young White Sox clubhouse. Rick Hahn needs to proceed with care… and caution.
jsay2948
I think Mazara to the Red Sox could make a lot of sense if they trade either JBJ or Mookie elsewhere.
Priggs89
Because this mediocre OF is young, still has a lot of upside, and shouldn’t cost much at all. They also don’t have anybody to play RF for the next year (minimum) and have a lineup full of righties – aka no prospects will be even close to being blocked. Unless you want to get rid of significant pieces from the farm for a great RF, players like Mazara/Pederson/Dickerson (FA) are the best options – assuming you’re smart enough to not want to run Jay/Palka/Cordell out there again.
oz10
I think it is because everyone wants the Sox to have Alex Rios II. Such talented non producing RFs.
Dumpster Divin Theo
Or Choo. Sox have plenty of space on their payroll and could use an intelligent batter who brings much needed balance to the lineup and could reach the kids a thing or two about getting on base. A nice short term option in Right until Robert-Basabe-Rutherford are deemed ready
wileycoyote56
Move Choo or Gallo to 1B, dump Guzman, teams better already. Gallo could stay in lineup more with less injuries
RootedInOakland
Pretty sad how good of seasons Minor and Lynn had and how little improvement they made, not to mention having a farm system with no top 100 guys. They should def spend on one elite SP and also make sure they have a catcher that isn’t a black hole in the lineup like Mathis. Also happy that Woodward gets to keep his job but I have trouble respecting managers that can’t adjust their lineup, the fact that Andrus never moved out the 2 spot is embarrassing
User 1104686089
they have 4 top 100s, 2 pitchers…
DockEllisDee
Nick Solak, remember the name!! Seriously if Texas doesn’t have a fit for him another franchise should work something out and put him in the lineup, dude is going to rake.
Jerryred
starting lineup with rendon
dH Choo
SS Elvis
3B Rendon
CF Gallo
RF Mazara
LF Calhoun
2B Odor and Solak
1B Guzman and Santana
C Trevino
caldo19
Good for 3rd/4th place.
ElMagoN9ne
The last time the rangers paid 250 million for an infielder. He was gone within 3 years..Rendon isnt going to Texas..I wouldn’t be shocked if he went to Anaheim.
Coal tender
Rendon will go back to his hometown of Houston. The Astros will try to trade oft injured Correa for some good prospects and thus create a spot for Rendon. Gurriel though still an effective player is going to be 36 and could very well hit the decline wall and be available for trade too.
baberuthbomber8
Rangers won’t go for Rendon, they would prefer Donaldson.. with multiple 3B down in the minors they would likely prefer to patchwork it for a year or two till they are ready
Coal tender
Rangers owners are tight fisted and won’t spend $250 million or more for Rendon. Donaldson will cause problems in the Ranger dugout. I think Rangers will go after second tier FA’s where Odorizzi will be their first target. If Porcello is available, I think they will sign him too.
oz10
The Rangers had a top 5 or 6 payroll just a couple of years ago. The writing was on the wall the last 2 that we wouldn’t win it so why spend the money. these guys didn’t get to owning an MLB team by spending money in stupid ways.
Soapbox
Josh Donaldson. will not fit with Ranger fans, he’s a head case and would create problems with managers and fans.
99socalfrc
Odor, Guzman & Mazara all signed by?
***DRUMROLL***
AJ Preller!
jorge78
Damning evidence!
bighiggy
Wonder what it would take from the cardinals to get mazara, could replace ozuna who will probably leave in free agency
batty
So you want a corner OFer with limited power to go along with the other OFers with limited power? Mazara would make Ozuna look like a perennial GGer.
Priggs89
Mazara doesn’t have “limited power.” He has a TON of raw power; he just hasn’t been able to translate it to consistent game power yet. I haven’t watched him enough to know why (bad swing path, poor contact, bad approach, etc.), but he’s still plenty young enough to figure it out. I wouldn’t bet on him doing it, but far less talented players have figured it out before.
wileycoyote56
Raw power, no production = no power
GarryHarris
I don’t like the idea of Joey Gallo as the CF. He can be great and he can be injury prone. Put him at 1B and keep him there
Someone might be willing to swap bad contracts for Rougned Odor. Perhaps SFG.
Soapbox
Joey can’t play 1st base., He has the footwork of a 3rd base/outfielder.
wileycoyote56
I call BS, if he’s adequate at 3rd he can handle 1B. Plus keep his bat in lineup more due to pesky injuries not holding him back
FattKemp
Gallo could in theory shift to 3B, and I’d give Mazara another year to live up to the prospect hype. Gallo at 3B or the OF is arbitrarily (no pun intended) dependent on who they sign in Free Agency. I would put him at 3B since they’re not likely to sign Rendon/Donaldson and an OF is easier to find than a 3B. Every year there are 3-5 1B found in the recycling bin, try to get one of those/let Santana play 1B. Don’t waste Gallo’s relative athleticism at 1B.
baberuthbomber8
Gallo isn’t going back to 3rd.. he is an OF from here on out.. and a 1B in An pitch more than likely than at 3B
rangerslegend34107
I see them going hard after Donaldson as a short term fix at 3B until Jung is ready.
I also see them being a darkhorse for Cole.
Then they’ll be on the usual buy low candidates: Alex Wood (fits perfect for JD’s M.O..), Wacha, Odorizzi, Roark, Pomeranz, and the like.
There are some good vets that could help out at catcher…past their primes but could help handle the rotation (Cervelli, Gomes, d’Arnaud, etc). Grandal would be a pipe dream. Don’t think they want to spend that much money at catcher, especially one advanced in age.
Coal tender
I think Trevino has been looking good as the everyday catcher. He doesn’t hit homeruns, but he is a line drive hitter that can get on base. Reminds me of Leon of the RedSoxs.
Rob66
Try Mazara at 1b and see if he can finally tap into his talent. Spend the money on more pressing needs!!!
dj415cali
I like Mazara to SF. Probably can get him for Belt (2 years at $16m each) and Samardjiza (1 year left at $18m). Maybe add a young arm (Tyler Needed, Derick Rodriguez, son of Pudge – a Ranger fan favorite).
dj415cali
Sorry, meant Tyler BEEDE
padnastikador
Rangers would have zero interest in Belt, and limited interest in Samardjiza at 18 million. Dereck Rodriguez, minor interest, just because he is Pudge’s son. Beede is the only player with any value in that group.
dj415cali
Samardjiza would only have a year left on his deal. Belt’s value would be in his walk rate and great eye. He’s a left handed bat who can DH or play first and he could use a change of scenery. At worst, you’d have him for 2 years at 16mil each. Giants can send some cash, i’d say maybe $10mil over 2 years to subsidize. Belt is from Texas too so maybe he will get a morale boost. That’s why I say that it would have to be Samardjiza, Belt, and Beede/Rodriguez all in that deal. If the Giants can help it, I would ask for Kolby Allard too with the caveat that the Giants take Shin Soo-Choo (21m, 1 year left) as well with Aramis Garcia being added to sweeten the deal.
oz10
Guess the weed is that good in san fran…….
dj415cali
Hell if Zaidi could trade Melancon and his full contract to Atlanta for a legit return, anything is possible.
are6
For everyone saying Mazara sucks and has no power:
Watch MLB’s 10 longest home runs of the Statcast era
505′ – Trevor Story (2018)
505′ – Nomar Mazara (2019)
504′ – Giancarlo Stanton (2016)
495′ – Kris Bryant (2015)
495′ – Aaron Judge (2017)
493′ – Nelson Cruz (2016)
493′ – Gary Sanchez (2017)
493′ – Michael A. Taylor (2015
Mazara’s defense and arm are A+, if you think he doesn’t have power, you have never watched him play, obviously.^^^see above*** Where the Rangers have struggled with him is his inconsistency at the plate. However, they have that same issue with a lot of their younger players that have worked up through the system and somewhere or someone in development is failing our talent on that part. I would hate to see them give up on Mazara. I would rather seem them unload Choo’s salary to open up more room on the payroll. They are for sure going to go for a free agent 3rd baseman, they do not have anyone remotely close to ready. Even with the 3rd base draft picks, that is no guarantee they can stick at 3rd base in the league, they both played different positions before playing 3rd in college. They need a veteran presence and bat in the hot corner that hasn’t been there since Beltre left and need to lock it down for a while. I really think they will try to make Rendon an offer. I think if they can match what the Nats offered him he will come home to Texas. If not, they won’t go for Donaldson. I think they would try to sign Moose or make some kind of trade/deal with the Cubs like they have done in the past for Kris Bryant. Both are better fits for the organization and the Cubs have stated they are willing to listen to offers for him.