5 Pending Free Agents the Texas Rangers Should Target Next Offseason

5 Pending Free Agents the Texas Rangers Should Target Next Offseason

By Chad Troyan

August 11, 2015

5 Pending Free Agents the Texas Rangers Should Target Next Offseason

Texas Rangers — Sitting at 55-55, the Texas Rangers are 4.5 games out of first in the AL West and 3.5 games back of a Wild Card spot. Their pitching has been lackluster and will ultimately end their postseason run in a matter of time. Here are five pending free agents the Rangers should target next offseason.

Sitting at 55-55, the Texas Rangers are 4.5 games out of first in the AL West and 3.5 games back of a Wild Card spot. Their pitching has been lackluster and will ultimately end their postseason run in a matter of time. Here are five pending free agents the Rangers should target next offseason.

5. Manny Parra

Cincinnati Reds, Manny Parra

5. Manny Parra

Cincinnati Reds, Manny Parra — While their bullpen has not been the source of their frustration, it never hurts to make some minor improvements. Manny Parra would be a cheap arm that could be really effective for them. He currently owns a 1.46 ERA at his home ballpark of Great American "Small" park. If he can maintain such a low ERA in a hitter-friendly park, he could do wonders for the Rangers. Parra would be a nice addition to the pen that would come at a bargain price.

While their bullpen has not been the source of their frustration, it never hurts to make some minor improvements. Manny Parra would be a cheap arm that could be really effective for them. He currently owns a 1.46 ERA at his home ballpark of Great American "Small" park. If he can maintain such a low ERA in a hitter-friendly park, he could do wonders for the Rangers. Parra would be a nice addition to the pen that would come at a bargain price.

4. Joakim Soria

Joakim Soria, Detroit Tigers

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4. Joakim Soria

Joakim Soria, Detroit Tigers — It's never a bad idea to consider bringing back someone who performed well for you previously. Soria played for the Rangers from 2013-14, accumulating ERAs of 3.80 and 2.70, respectively. He has been having a good year, boasting a 2.56 ERA between the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Like Parra, Soria would be a nice veteran addition to the bullpen, but he would come at a higher price.

It's never a bad idea to consider bringing back someone who performed well for you previously. Soria played for the Rangers from 2013-14, accumulating ERAs of 3.80 and 2.70, respectively. He has been having a good year, boasting a 2.56 ERA between the Detroit Tigers and Pittsburgh Pirates. Like Parra, Soria would be a nice veteran addition to the bullpen, but he would come at a higher price.

3. Mike Leake

Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds

3. Mike Leake

Mike Leake, Cincinnati Reds — If the Rangers don't elect to go after another "top-tier" pitcher, Mike Leake would be a great plan B. He currently is 9-6 with a 3.52 ERA. As far as pitchers go, Leake will be relatively cheap (five years, $ 50-60 million). He is an effective pitcher but isn't at that dominant tier of hurlers. Leake would be the cheaper route to improve their rotation.

If the Rangers don't elect to go after another "top-tier" pitcher, Mike Leake would be a great plan B. He currently is 9-6 with a 3.52 ERA. As far as pitchers go, Leake will be relatively cheap (five years, $ 50-60 million). He is an effective pitcher but isn't at that dominant tier of hurlers. Leake would be the cheaper route to improve their rotation.

2. Tyler Clippard

Tyler Clippard, Oakland Athletics

2. Tyler Clippard

Tyler Clippard, Oakland Athletics — Clippard has had himself a fantastic 2015 campaign, collecting 18 saves while boasting a 2.58 ERA with the Athletics and Mets. He would be the "icing on the cake" to an effective bullpen. While they aren't in dire need of bullpen arms, his talent would be a welcome addition to the bullpen. A talent like Clippard may demand more money than some, but his production has proven that he is deserving of a pay raise.

Clippard has had himself a fantastic 2015 campaign, collecting 18 saves while boasting a 2.58 ERA with the Athletics and Mets. He would be the "icing on the cake" to an effective bullpen. While they aren't in dire need of bullpen arms, his talent would be a welcome addition to the bullpen. A talent like Clippard may demand more money than some, but his production has proven that he is deserving of a pay raise.

1. Jordan Zimmermann

Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals

1. Jordan Zimmermann

Jordan Zimmermann, Washington Nationals — Before the season, many people believed Zimmermann could be a high $ 100 million man, but his 2015 campaign may have knocked the price down a bit. He currently stands at 8-7 with a 3.44 ERA, but it is his strikeout rate (6.69) that has some concerned as it has seen a significant drop from last year (8.2 K/9). He may still be worth more than $ 100 million, but his price is more affordable. Plus, imagine a rotation with Hamels and Zimmermann.

Before the season, many people believed Zimmermann could be a high $ 100 million man, but his 2015 campaign may have knocked the price down a bit. He currently stands at 8-7 with a 3.44 ERA, but it is his strikeout rate (6.69) that has some concerned as it has seen a significant drop from last year (8.2 K/9). He may still be worth more than $ 100 million, but his price is more affordable. Plus, imagine a rotation with Hamels and Zimmermann.

Chad Troyan is a Cincinnati Reds writer. He also covers the NFL and NCAAF for www.RantSports.com. Follow him on Twitter @ChadTroyan15, “Like”him on Facebook or add him to your network on Google.

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