2024 Texas Rangers

[FWHORN]

Winter meetings summary from Landry, in addition to Eovaldi and Burger, the Rangers got a reliever and were active:

'Plenty more work' for Rangers to do after splashy Winter Meetings

DALLAS -- MLB’s annual Winter Meetings came to a close on Wednesday afternoon and the Rangers had as much movement as anybody in the league, as the front office worked to continue improving the club. The Rangers were among the more active teams in Dallas this week, reportedly agreeing to

www.mlb.com

 

[Hookem G]

Looking more and more likely that Kyle Tucker will be traded by the Astros. While I'm not opposed to trading him, with Bregman likely leaving for free agency the Astros playoff run is now in jeopardy.

If Eovaldi can stay healthy, and the above moves occur with the Astros, the Rangers should be favored to win the division.

 

[FWHORN]

Looking more and more likely that Kyle Tucker will be traded by the Astros.

Traded today to Cubs.

 

[Hookem G]

Traded today to Cubs.

Yes-I'm generally underwhelmed with what the Astros received. I'll characterize it by describing the players as"two maybe's" and an average arm for the pen. The trade also shouts that Bregman is gone (no real surprise).

Dana Brown will now get to earn his keep as the Astros move into a transition period (but not a tear down). They freed up about $50 million in payroll with the trade (and Bregman leaving) so they can look at some of the tier 2 players still available. They will be desperate for 1-2 outfielders and possibly a 1B (Christian Walker).......and as always some starting pitchers (not top tier). They still could move Ryan Pressley who has trade value .

With this move and Bregman leaving, I'm now going on record that the Rangers are the team to beat in the West. If the Mariners end up moving one of their starting pitchers for some solid infield help and make a few free agent signings, they could give the Rangers a run for the money.

Right now my primary focus is watching the Horns beati Clemson and finding 6-8 players in the portal (nabbed a punter today). Once football is behind us I can focus more on baseball.

Hope you Ranger fans don't mind me poking my nose into this Rangers thread, but I don't have an interest starting a standalone Astros thread. Hookem.

 

[HornHuskerDad]

I'm generally underwhelmed with what the Astros received.

I agree - which leads me to think they have a bigger trade brewing somewhere and just needed to free up money.

 

[FWHORN]

I don't have an interest starting a standalone Astros thread. Hookem.

Once Viper starts our 2025 Rangers thread it will encompass the AL West race so the odd Astros stuff will not only be relevant but also topics of discussion. I still would make Houston the favorite to win the west until someone beats them. I like the Rangers moves so far but they still have a huge hole in their bullpen and need two or even three moves to shore that up.

 

[ViperHorn]

Agree. Bullpens are always an assortment of proven, unproven and hopefuls. A real test for any GM. Unfortunately it takes half a season to know if your mixture is more plus than minus.

If, and a big if, the Rangers SP is anywhere as good on the field as it is on paper and the BP isn't a liability, they will win the West.

 

[HornHuskerDad]

Pretty quiet on the Rangers - not unexpected as we get closer to Christmas. Probably picks up speed after New Year's Day. FYI, here's a link with a summary of all the deals made so far (including minor leaguers) - Texas Rangers free agency tracker: Everyone they've signed or traded for, so far

 

[Hookem G]

My Christian Walker hope came through for the Astros with reasonable contract terms. Look for them to go after a second tier outfielder (perhaps Ramon Laureano) and another starting pitcher. Astros had to pay $6 million for exceeding the salary cap, so Crane will be very careful about going over in 2025. With that in mind I look for them to move Ryan Pressly even if the have to eat some of his contract.

Nice little signing of Hoby Milner by the Rangers. Local kid and former Horn. Never can have enough lefties out of the pen and they got him for nothing.

Mariners have been very quiet. If they don’t beef up there offense they will be a distant third and could be challenged by the Halos.

Ok- let’s take care of business against Clemson tomorrow and show the world our offense can play four quarters. Hookem!

 

[FWHORN]

Still need a couple of arms for the bullpen particularly a closer but good review to date: