Thursday newsletter time: Pitchers are flying off the shelf as Rangers watch from the clubhouse
The middle tier of free-agent starting pitching is getting picked over pretty well in what looks like a mad rush to get things packaged and shipped before Christmas.
Mansfield Legacy graduate Noah Syndergaard is among those who signed the past few days. He went to the Dodgers on a one-year, $13 million deal, and that dollar figure appears to be the sweet spot. Southlake Carroll grad Ross Stripling signed with the Giants for two years and $25 million.
The last of the big fish is left-hander Carlos Rodon, who is seeking a seven-year contract and is probably going to get it or a six-year deal. Right-hander Nathan Eovaldi is the only other non mid-tier starter out there.
The Rangers have been watching from the sidelines. They’re in the clubhouse with five starting pitchers, including Jacob deGrom. He was the best available pitcher.
But the rotation could be better, even without signing Rodon. Michael Wacha, who went to Texas A&M, would help with the innings shortfall. He and new/old pitching coach Mike Maddux have worked together and might be a fit with Wacha coming off a rebound season with Boston.
If the Rangers want to add before the holidays, time and free-agent supplies are running out. If they are out on the best of what’s left, a trade would be their best route.
Wrapping up, looking ahead
Rangers Today has hit the home stretch to the holidays, but there’s still stuff to crank out before putting 2022 into storage.
I’ve been thinking about the Rangers’ 2022, from beginning to end, and the clear theme was change.
There wasn’t enough of it on the field, so changes were made off it.
Everyone knows who’s out and who replaced them. The roster is undergoing changes. The hope is that things start trending upward on Opening Day, which is March 31.
And while no one really pays much attention to spring results, it will be interesting to see how manager Bruce Bochy runs a spring camp. Associate manager (bench coach) Will Venable will be setting up camp. Maddux will influence that, as well.
The first changes of the new regime — include general manager Chris Young in that, too — should be felt early on in camp.
ICYMI …
The Rangers have hit the offseason doldrums, though there will be some news today. Andrew Heaney will meet with reporters for the first time since he was signed Friday, officially. The left-hander could make $37 million over the next three years, or he could get a third of that if he opts out after 2023. It will be interesting to hear what he has to say. This has been a week of catching up and planning for Rangers Today, but we’ve still had content every day. That’s what we do. Here’s some of it, in case you missed it.
T.R.’s Memoirs: R.A. Dickey, Hall of Famer
The Sunday Read: Notes, notes and more notes
Rangers Today Baseball Podcast: Links for Jacob deGrom, Mike Maddux episode
Doggy video!
I’m guessing the birds got a good laugh. Enjoy.
This is Digsy. He came at those birds really fast. Life came at him faster. 13/10 pic.twitter.com/YmTnxVBnN5
— WeRateDogs® (@dog_rates) December 12, 2022
Jeff Wilson, jeff@rangerstoday.com
You said earlier in the offseason that they would most likely only acquire 2 or 3 starting pitchers didn’t you? Now you think they are still pursuing a 5th one?
Things change, Bennie, including in what sources say.