Where do Texas Rangers Stand on Their Free Agents?
Texas Rangers general manager Chris Young isn't looking to break the bank this offseason in Arlington.
Then again, after the past two winters, most would understand why.
As the Rangers enter December, they've yet to open their wallets to the free-agent market. That includes contributors from the 2023 roster that helped the Bruce Bochy-led franchise clinch its first World Series title.
Jordan Montgomery is the free agent the Rangers likely want back the most.
Young made it clear this week he's not looking to go crazy by adding in new players from the outside. Sure, maybe a relief pitcher or two finds their way to the bullpen, but most of the names on his radar have already spent time inside the Globe Life Field clubhouse.
And yes, Young has kept in touch with several of the impending free agents since the last celebrated back in Arlington following their Fall Classic win over the Arizona Diamondbacks.
"We've kept in touch with really the core group of players who were part of the 2023 team and we're interested to see where things go," Young said. "And we're not limiting ourselves or excluding ourselves from any of those players."
Not everyone can be retained, but "core" usually means "key" or "vital" options to the team's success. Designated hitter Mitch Garver falls into that category. So does left-hander Jordan Montgomery.
Garver is a reliable bat who can rotate behind the plate with Jonah Heim. Montgomery, a trade deadline acquisition from the St. Louis Cardinals, was half of one of the baseball's top postseason duos in recent memory that paved the way through October.
Other names, like catcher Austin Hedges, outfielder Travis Jankowski and setup man Aroldis Chapman, were quality contributors but could be better off suiting up elsewhere. For Young, the market price will dictate mostly who returns and who is left looking for a new clubhouse.
Young said pitching is also a priority over bats for the time being. The Rangers bolstered one of the league's worst bullpens during the regular season. At the plate, Texas will have young guns like postseason hero Evan Carter entering his true rookie season.
The Rangers could also consider elevating 2023 No. 4 pick Wyatt Langford into the lineup as Garver's replacement after a breakout stint in the minors. Then again, for the right price, Young is open to bringing in a veteran bat.
"If there's the right deal out there for a bat that makes sense and fits what we need," said Young.
Texas has somewhere in the $13-15 million range to spend to stay under the luxury tax.
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