MLB Rumors: Rangers "A Team To Watch" In High-End Pitching Market

According to a report coming out of the MLB General Managers Meetings in Las Vegas, the Texas Rangers are "a team to watch" when it comes to courting the biggest names on the pitching market. 

Mark Feinsand of mlb.com reports that he was told about the Rangers, “They’re very big on the high-impact starters,” the source said. And they won't be settling for just one. 

Last winter, of course, the Rangers handed out some massive, Texas-sized contracts for hitters, spending over half a billion dollars on shortstop Corey Seager ($375M) and second baseman Marcus Semien ($175M). This year, they're aiming to shore up the pitching in much the same way. 

Pencil the Rangers in to make a big push for Jacob deGrom from the New York Mets, Justin Verlander of the Houston Astros, and San Francisco Giants All-Star Carlos Rodon. All three are seen as aces that could head up the Texas rotation in 2023. The Rangers are even waiting to hear from Texas-born Clayton Kershaw to find out if he's willing to pitch for anybody other than the Los Angeles Dodgers next season. 

“We will be active on the free-agent market with the intention of signing multiple starting pitchers,” said GM Chris Young. “My expectation is that we’re contending next year. And I think to do that, we need solid starting pitching. (So) we’re going to explore all aspects of the starting-pitching market. Top to bottom, we’re going to find the right group to help (us) compete for the playoffs next season.”

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