Decisions, Decisions, Decisions: Rangers Have Tough Choices To Make
April 1st is looming along with some very tough decisions that the Texas Rangers have to make. Going over final roster decisions, there could be as many as 5 non roster invitees that deserve to make this team. That would force the Rangers to clear five spots in the process. With a young roster, this could force some eye opening decisions. Especially with most of the roster being under the age 30.
The best way to clear a roster spot is make a trade. Problem with that is the biggest asset is also considered the best potential super star. In a rebuilding year, that wouldn’t be the smartest move unless the return is close to the Mark Texiera deal. There are other players that could also be moved. Let’s look at trade options.
BLOCKBUSTER
Joey Gallo: Gallo is the only player that would constitute a blockbuster deal because of the potential he has to be a star. His value is down now and the return would not be as good as if he was moved at the deadline after a great start. But then the question is whether you attempt to extend him yourself. He would not fetch a Texiera return unless coupled with another top young prospect. Chance of being traded before opening day: 10%
MIGHT BE ATTRACTIVE
Ronald Guzman: If Nate Lowe is the heir apparent at 1B, then Guzman might be a candidate to be moved. With his winter league numbers extending to the spring, maybe someone does see his value and the Rangers could get a nice prospect in return. The problem is wondering if he has actually figured things out and is on the verge of breaking out. The Rangers would hate to see him leave to become another Nelson Cruz. He is also only a year older than Lowe. Chances of being traded before opening day 5%.
Jose Leclerc: With Ian Kennedy and Matt Bush having good springs, Leclerc is on a team friendly deal that might be attractive to another team. It would have to be a good return to warrant moving him. Chances of being traded before opening day 5%.
WOULD BE GREAT FOR RANGERS
Rougned Odor: If the Rangers could somehow get someone to take on Odor and at least half of his contract, the return would only need to be a bag a balls or free gatorade for a year. Not to diminish Rougie, but his contract is the only thing making him un attractive. Maybe someone watching this spring, sees an opportunity to get a guy who can play two positions with power. He can also ride a horse to work if that is an added attraction. Chances of being traded before opening day 1%.
Khris Davis: Being 33 years old, having two bad years and being owed $16 million is what holds up flipping Davis. Considering he is also a candidate to be DFA’d, only a team with an injury this week would consider it. That’s only because he could be snatched up on waivers if exposed. The Rangers would most likely be on the hook for his salary no matter what. But a desperate team might consider getting ahead of him being DFA’d. Chances of being traded before opening day -1%.
There are also some potential good players who might be DFA’d this week, to make room for the non rosters poised to make the team.
BEST POSSIBLE DFA’S
Joe Gatto RHP: Signed this offseason as a bullpen piece he has thrown three innings and not been great. Chances of being DFA’d before start of season 95%.
Josh Sborz RHP: Sborz was designated for assignment by the LA Dodgers on February 11th. The Rangers traded RHP Jhan Zambrano for him. He has not stepped up to claim a spot so far this spring. Chances of being DFA’s before start of season 95%.
EYE OPENING DFA’S
Brett de Geus RHP: de Geus was signed off of waivers by the Rangers in November. He is only 23 and not had that bad of a spring. The issue is whether or not someone else had a better one. He is in competition for a bullpen spot and Hunter Wood has played better. Chances of being DFA’d before start of season 50%.
Tyler Phillips RHP: Although high on a lot of teams prospect list, Phillips is not a frontline starter candidate. Should he be claimed on waivers, he would have to spend the entire year in the big leagues. Although he may not be ready for that, he could be stashed away in a bullpen rather than be offered back to Texas. That would be a huge risk for the Rangers to take on a guy, who might be a big league starter. Chances of being DFA’d before start of season 10%.
The Rangers have some hard decisions to make this week if no trades happen. I would hate to be Chris Woodward when those final cuts are made. In any case, this is the week to keep an eye on moves out of Surprise.
Nerd Out!
Featured Image: Smiley N. Pool / Dallas Morning News (Tyler Phillips)
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Categorized:Rangers