The Sunday Read: The case for Bubba Thompson to be Rangers’ left fielder
(The Associated Press/Craig Lassig)
The Texas Rangers are still building their roster for 2023 as the new year begins.
They have a bunch of starting pitchers, who, in theory, will give the Rangers a chance in every game.
But they need bullpen help. Some would argue lots of it.
Every team needs a utility man, and the Rangers don’t have one in the traditional sense.
And, lastly, they continue to seek an outfielder.
The money appears to be there, with owner Ray Davis writing checks like he never has.
The problem is that the pool of difference-making free-agent outfielders has shrunk. While the Rangers have the prospects to acquire just about any outfielder via trade, teams aren’t tripping over themselves to deal away a top outfielder.
It seems unlikely that the Rangers won’t add an outfielder, but general manager Chris Young also might not be keen on adding one just to add one.
And, then, there’s Bubba Thompson.
What I don’t understand is how many fans and some writers still seem to think it’s Reynolds or a free agent. There are other guys out there like McCarthy (signed his brother recently), Alek Thomas, Stone Garrett, Max Kepler, Lourdes Gurriel (re-trade him?), Yelich + cash and a Devin Williams, Tyrone Taylor, Yaz, and others. They can even see if (assuming the right amount of time has passed) they can trade Rocker and Porter for Elijah Green or maybe even Drew Jones because why not? They acquired several free agent pitchers and not many hitters, so they can maybe see if this works.
You must be joking!
Bubba can be the ideal lead off hitter. Thereby moving everbody else down one spot in the line up.