Are Texas Rangers Committed To More Free Agent Spending?
Texas Rangers executive vice president and general manager Chris Young is in Scottsdale, Ariz., for this week’s general managers meetings.
Deals are highly unlikely this week, though some teams are starting to meet with free agents, and their agents and laying the groundwork for potential signings when things kick into gear at baseball’s annual meetings next month in Nashville.
But the groundwork is important, because even as the Rangers bask in the glow of their first World Series title, the Rangers have needs, and Young has acknowledged them.
The bullpen? Yep. Perhaps another veteran starting pitcher? Sure. Maybe one more at-bat? You bet.
The Rangers have already been linked to closer Josh Hader and starter Aaron Nola.
Of course, there’s that one guy out in L.A. that’s getting a lot of attention.
Some are predicting that the Rangers could win the Shohei Ohtani free-agent derby. That’s based, in part, on the Rangers’ success in 2023, but also on the willingness to spend on the part of owner Ray Davis.
He’s underwritten several massive contracts the past two offseasons for shortstop Corey Seager, second baseman Marcus Semien and pitcher Jacob deGrom.
Would Davis do it again if Young brought him the opportunity to get a player that could help the Rangers make another run, and also be a significant piece of the puzzle for years to come?
Young told 105.3 The Fan that anything is possible when asked if the team would be willing to go over the luxury tax threshold to pursue a player they want in free agency.
“I think that Ray certainly showed the willingness to do it this year and that showed the commitment to winning,” Young said. “If we feel like that's what we need to win I have no doubt that he will continue to make that commitment.”
Per Spotrac.com, the luxury tax threshold is $237 million for 2024 and the Rangers are on the hook for $166.75 million luxury tax-adjusted money for eight players already under contract. The rest of the payroll will be taken up by arbitration-eligible and minimum salaries for players under team control.
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