For this week’s article, we’re going to do a little Q&A.
These questions were asked by my followers on social media, so if you want to be featured in the next Q&A make sure to go follow me on my handles.
Q.Which Pitchers are most likely to be signed by the Rangers?
A.This was probably the most asked question in this Q&A and rightfully so, the Rangers pitching was bad last season and the front office has made upgrading the pitching the main focus this winter. Starting out in the rotation Carlos Rodon is the most likely big-name pitching option for the Rangers this offseason. Rangers’ front office has already committed to making a “big push” to land the all-star lefty. Resigning all-star Martin Perez remains a top priority for Texas as well. Kodai Senga (who will be mentioned in a different question) is someone Texas should be interested in considering their past landing Japanese players. You also gotta think of the guys who are solid middle-of-the-rotation free agents like Nathan Eovaldi, Chris Bassitt, or Ross Stripling. As far as the bullpen goes I don’t expect too many external additions. I’d say resigning Matt Moore is probably the top priority but also be on the lookout for some minor additions.
Q.When do we expect (Martin) Perez to finalize the extension if it does happen?
A.I think we should start off by saying that it is still very likely to happen. The fact that it has not gotten done yet is a little bit interesting to me. Chris Young has met with Perez’s representatives and I would (and still would like to) think that a deal would be done before Perez hits the open market. Nonetheless, I do still think that Perez resigns and the deal is still somewhere in the 3/30 range.
Q.Chances we get (Kodi) Senga? And would you like that signing?
A.Kodai Senga is one of the top pitchers in the NPB (Nippon Professional Baseball) who is being posted and is eligible to sign with any MLB team this winter. Last season Senga pitched for the Fukuoka SoftBank Hawks where he went 11-6 with a 1.94 ERA. As far as the Rangers go, you have to think they will be in on him because of their need for pitching and their track record signing Japanese pitchers. It’s really hard to say the chances that Texas lands him but there will probably be some interest. I would honestly like that signing, The Rangers have a major need for starting pitchers and Senga could be a hit.
Q.How highly do you think Chris Young values the outfield going into the offseason? Is pitching still his main focus for free agency and will he rely on the prospects/current team or will he seek out someone like Andrew Benintendi or Mitch Haniger?
A. I think CY certainly knows the value of the outfield but he pretty much has an outfield from within. Adolis Garcia and Leody Tavares have pretty much cemented themselves into the 2023 Opening-Day lineup and there are a plethora of guys who will compete for the third and fourth spots (Eli White, Bubba Thompson, Josh Smith, Ezequiel Duran, ext). There is no doubt that pitching is absolutely the main focus for free agency However, there is still talk about adding a middle-of-the-order bat externally so the door is still open for someone like Andrew Benintendi or Mitch Haniger.
