Texas Rangers Focus at Winter Meetings is No Surprise

Despite returning a deep roster of starting pitchers, the Texas Rangers could be looking to add to the staff during the Winter Meetings in Nashville.

The Winter Meetings are just around the corner, and the Texas Rangers figure to be one of the more active clubs as MLB front offices gather in Nashville.

The World Series winners aren't without needs. Pitching – whether in the rotation or bullpen – is a focus for general manager Chris Young and Co. So is adding another bat, likely as the designated hitter.

Free agent Jordan Montgomery remains a top target for the Rangers in solidifying their 2024 rotation / © Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

Some of the big names have come off the board, at least for the Rangers. The champs are reportedly out on Shohei Ohtani. Bringing back Jordan Montgomery is certainly a goal, but there is competition for the left-hander. All-Star closer Josh Hader is believed to be a serious Texas target.

In addition to Montgomery, the club hasn’t closed the door on its own free agents, such as Mitch Garver, Aroldis Chapman and Travis Jankowski.

MLB.com recently published a list of the goals of each team at the Winter Meetings. The Rangers’ entry centered on fortifying the rotation. 

From MLB.com:

The Rangers aren’t lacking rotation depth, but general manager Chris Young already said they are looking to acquire at least one more starter to join Max Scherzer, Nathan Eovaldi, Jon Gray, Andrew Heaney and Dane Dunning. They’ve continued conversations with Jordan Montgomery, whom Texas acquired at the 2023 Trade Deadline to help with the World Series push, and there are a number of other quality arms on the market. Whether it’s by trade or free agency, the Rangers would surely like to have one more starting pitcher by Christmas.

In addition to opening their wallet again this offseason, the Rangers could go the trade route. Several intriguing pitchers are reportedly available, including Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease and Tyler Glasnow. Texas also has assets such as Ezequiel Duran and prospect Justin Foscue as potential trade chips.

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