Monday newsletter time: Help Rangers spread holiday cheer tonight at Globe Life Field

Jeff Wilson December 12, 2022

(AP photo/LM Otero)

For those looking for something to do tonight, the Rangers have you covered.

The Texas Rangers Toy Drive is scheduled from 4-7 p.m. at Globe Life Field. Fans who bring a new, unwrapped toy worth $15 will receive a ticket to a select home game in 2023 (limited to one ticket per person).

It’s the 12th consecutive year for the Rangers to be involved in a toy drive, and this year’s drive benefits Mission Arlington Mission Metroplex. Right-hander Jon Gray and his wife, Jacklyn, are the hosts this year.

Santa will be there. Fans can enjoy holiday crafts and other activities, including a face painter. Rangers Captain will be on hand, too.

Fans attending the toy drive can park in Lot B and enter Globe Life Field through the Grand Slam Team Store. Delaware North Sportservice is providing complimentary refreshments.

As always, Rangers players and personnel will be on hand to sign autographs.

The lineup includes:

4-5 p.m.: Gray, Steve Buechele, Spencer Howard, Emily Jones, David Murphy, Eric Nadel, Josh Smith

5-6 p.m.: Mike Bacsik Jr., Taylor Hearn, Jonah Heim, Matt Hicks, Mark Mathias, Jared Sandler, Marcus Semien

6-7 p.m.: Seth Connor, Jonathan Hernandez, John King, Darren Oliver, Eleno Ornelas, Dave Raymond, Josh Sborz, Dave Valle.

(Lists are subject to change.)

Rangers Hall of Famers Michael Young (4-5 p.m.) and Mark McLemore (6-7 p.m.) will be signing copies of the Rangers’ 50th-anniversary limited-edition book, 50 Years of Texas Rangers Baseball. The book can be purchased in the Grand Slam Team Store while supplies last. Russell and Young are only signing the books.

Who’s next?

The Rangers say they aren’t done shopping, with a left fielder and bullpen help now more at the forefront after the signings of Jacob deGrom and Andrew Heaney to give the Rangers five veteran starters.

Those hoping for Kodai Senga to sign were left disappointed Sunday after the Japanese star signed with the Mets. Left-hander Carlos Rodon, once thought to be the object of the Rangers’ offense affections, remains available but reportedly is seeking a six- or seven-year deal.

Yeesh.

The thinking here is another starter is signed, and that fans shouldn’t fret if it’s not Rodon or right-hander Nathan Eovaldi. Remember: The Rangers have done very well in the middle tier of starters of late, and there is probably still a good pitcher who the Rangers’ pro scouts have identified.

Don’t be surprised if it happens via trade, either. General manager Chris Young clarified during his final availability last week at the winter meetings that the Rangers were open to trades.

One reason, which also came up in the scrum, is the Rangers have a crowded 40-man roster and needed to create some room. Moving a few young major-leaguers or prospects to another team would help with that.

Outfielder Bryan Reynolds wants out of Pittsburgh, and a deal for him would require the Rangers shedding multiple prospects and probably a few big-leaguers. The Rangers could definitely meet the Pirates’ price if that’s where they want to go.

ICYMI …

The holiday shopping days are racing away. No time to panic just yet. For those who are, here’s a solution: Gifting a paid subscription to Rangers Today. It’s easy. Click here and sign someone up just like you signed yourself up. It’s fast, easy and cheap. Perfect. We’ve been busy and will stay that way the entire off season. If you’re wondering just what we’ve been up to, hear’s our latest in case you missed it.

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Heaney completes rotation?

Takeaways from the deGrom introduction

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