3 Realistic Relievers Texas Rangers Could Pursue Before Spring Training Begins

These are three pitchers the Texas Rangers could still go after if they want to boost their relief staff further.
Jul 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryne Stanek (45) walks to the dugout in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field
Jul 18, 2023; Denver, Colorado, USA; Houston Astros relief pitcher Ryne Stanek (45) walks to the dugout in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field / Ron Chenoy-Imagn Images
In this story:

The Texas Rangers have a problem in their bullpen; they don't have a closer.

Their three most prominent relievers who had experience closing games - Jose Leclerc, Kirby Yates and David Robertson - have either already departed in free agency or aren't expected to return.

For a team that has the goal of contending for another World Series championship and winning their division for the first time since 2016, not having a true shutdown man they can rely on when things are tight is something that could haunt them.

Chris Martin, one of their five offseason bullpen additions, seems like he could step into that role at the start of the year despite just having 14 careers saves in 30 opportunities.

There are still options out there, but since the Rangers wanted to shed salary this winter that gets their payroll under the $241 million Competitive Balance Tax threshold to reduce their tax penalties going forward, the current $235 million salary on the books doesn't give them a lot of room to go out and sign an impact arm.

However, there are some still available who could be added in that range.

Here are three realistic relievers Texas could sign before Spring Training.

Ryne Stanek

The right-hander is someone the Rangers know well from his time with the Houston Astros, having won the World Series with their in-state rivals in 2022 while posting a 2.90 ERA across 186 outings during his three seasons with that franchise.

While his last two years haven't been great with ERAs of 4.09 and 4.88 respectively, he's been a backend reliever used in high-leverage situations before who could be another closing option for Texas.

And since Spotrac has his market value at just $2.6 million, he'd still give this front office some wiggle room when it comes to staying under the CBT number.

Tommy Kahnle

The 10-year veteran is another player whose market value fits in with the space that's available.

Not a true closer by any means with just 25 sporadic save opportunities during his career, he wouldn't necessarily solve their problems at that position. However, he's been exceptional as a reliever with a 125 ERA+ across his 390 appearances, but it's the last two seasons that shows he's still a weapon for any team.

With the New York Yankees, the right-hander posted a 2.38 ERA in 83.1 innings pitched.

While there are some concerns since his FIP was roughly 4.00 during this same time period, signing him to a low-priced contract is something the Rangers could consider.

Keynan Middleton

He's the most expensive option per Spotrac with his market value sitting at $7.1 million which could prevent something from getting done if there is interest, but he also could step into the closer role based on him having 15 saves out of 22 opportunities.

While he's never been the primary ninth-inning guy, that is largely due to circumstance instead of ability.

At just 31 years old, he's an intriguing buy-low option as a former third-round pick out of high school who owns a career ERA of 3.84 and ERA+ of 113.

He's also coming off flexor tendon surgery, something that could get allow Texas to negotiate a contract that's in the range they're willing to give as he's looking to return to the Major League mound.

While it's a risk since it's not a given the right-hander will return to his previous form, that's the type of reliever who are options for the Rangers based on their self-imposed financial constraints if they still are looking to make additions .


Published
Brad Wakai
BRAD WAKAI

Brad Wakai graduated from Penn State University with a degree in Journalism. While an undergrad, he did work at the student radio station covering different Penn State athletic programs like football, basketball, volleyball, soccer and other sports. Brad currently is the Lead Contributor for Nittany Lions Wire of Gannett Media where he continues to cover Penn State athletics. He is also a contributor at FanSided, writing about the Philadelphia 76ers for The Sixers Sense. Brad is the host of the sports podcast I Said What I Said, discussing topics across the NFL, College Football, the NBA and other sports. You can follow him on Twitter: @bwakai