*****Official RANGERS Offseason Thread*****

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DallasAg 94
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In reply to rbtexan • 10:15a, 12/13/24
That's part of why it struck me as funny. If he waits 2 years, he can sign for 9 figures. If he signs now, he may get $7M but won't get any real payout for 6 years. Assuming nobody has wink wink nod nod a long-term deal.

His Velo was down almost 2mph in '24. My overthinking expects when teams look at his medical records there will be some major concerns.
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Flounder Dorfman
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10:16a, 12/13/24
AG
Personally, I think DeGrom will absolutely go full throttle as soon as possible. He has a huge contract in place and isn't pitching for his next one. This is where he can now re-establish himself as one of the premier pitchers in baseball. Any porch or innings count will be set by medical staff, trainers and coaches. Not by him.
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Proposition Joe
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In reply to Water Boy • 10:24a, 12/13/24
Water Boy said:
Is deGrom really trying to play it safe to get another contract? I understand playing it safe this season since he needs time to get back up to mlb speed but I think he's a competitor that wants to help his team win. He doesn't seem like the type of guy to purposefully avoid pitching when he's able too in order to secure a contract at the age of 39 when's he's already making a lot of money currently. I could be wrong but I just don't see deGrom being that kind of guy.

I don't think he's Roger-Dorn-Im-Not-Getting-In-Front-Of-That type selfish. But anyone at his level gets guidance, and if his agent/doctor is saying there's a decent amount of risk, I don't think he pushes it.

Also depends on the situation. If he's healthy on Opening Day or a month in and can contribute is one thing, if its mid-July and we're 7 games out then maybe a little more risk-averse.

I know these guys are motivated to be where they are at, but it's also a career. Not necesarily just from the future earnings standpoint, but from a "I can still be healthy enough to pitch in 2026 and 2027 if I don't push it too much in 2025.".
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cmiller00
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In reply to Flounder Dorfman • 10:58a, 12/13/24
AG
I haven't looked into the stats but remember reading an article on current players that will be in the HOF and he was on the bubble because of longevity. That should be some motivation. More good years and a WS title would be helpful to the resume.
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rbtexan
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 11:03a, 12/13/24
S
Correct me if I'm wrong but I believe after the initial signing bonus, the team he signs with pays him the standard salary. So if he made the big league roster he'd get league minimum. I don't think he can sign a long-term or big money deal for a while - it would have to be one of those wink wink things. I very well could be wrong but I think that's the case.

So if you sign him out of the IP, and he has a bum arm, you wouldn't be stuck with a big contract - just had an international signing that didn't work out
Jimbo Franchione
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to cmiller00 • 12:44p, 12/13/24
Another Cy Young, too? Maybe?
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South Platte
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1:06p, 12/13/24
Charlie Morton is the oddest case. Look at the cash he made AFTER he turned 30 and after TJ and hip surgeries. He's been healthy now for years.

Evo could be a guy like Morton.

Speaking of Morton . . . he seems like a stock that's had a huge run up, so you don't sign him because it inevitably will fall back down. Yet he keeps climbing.

Work. Horse.
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cmiller00
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 1:19p, 12/13/24
AG
DallasAg 94 said:
Another Cy Young, too? Maybe?


Sure wouldn't hurt!
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MrCoachEricTaylor
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2:18p, 12/13/24
Tucker traded to the Cubs
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Legal Custodian
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2:25p, 12/13/24
AG
He had a great 4 year run, but to be honest I just never saw him as a superstar. I think his best days are behind him, so it's not a bad trade for them.
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MrCoachEricTaylor
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In reply to Legal Custodian • 2:32p, 12/13/24
He had a pretty good bat and a strong arm. If it weren't for him disappearing at times during the year I think it would hurt them a lot more. I'm definitely happy to see him leave the division though.
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Tksymm7
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In reply to Legal Custodian • 2:56p, 12/13/24
AG
KT has also been hurt quite a bit recently and missed large chunks of seasons. I'd have him on my team tomorrow for the right price, but I get why the Astros did it and they did the right thing.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to Legal Custodian • 3:08p, 12/13/24
Tucker is a 1 yr rental.

They got a guy who fits in at 3B to replace Bregman for 2024, in Paredas, and a guy long-term in Cam Smith, that can play 2026+. Paredas moves to 1B for '26-27.

4 yrs of control on a swing P... not sure if he develops to the rotation or long-reliever... but someone that can P at the MLB level. If they move Framber, this guy can chew innings for them in 2025.

I think Houston got WAY more than I'd hoped for in a 1yr rental. They'll add Bregman's QO draft pick and while they may not be fully reloaded... they'll have added some depth to fill holes they have.
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South Platte
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In reply to Tksymm7 • 3:51p, 12/13/24
Tksymm7 said:
KT has also been hurt quite a bit recently and missed large chunks of seasons. I'd have him on my team tomorrow for the right price, but I get why the Astros did it and they did the right thing.
I live in Houston and I can't recall seeing an interview with him. He has zero personality. He doesn't even appear to be a quiet leader, like Monty or Evo. You play pro baseball for a living - have a little fun with life.
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DallasAg 94
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4:07p, 12/13/24

I'd say 2025 is a year we need to lock down and win the Division. I think the Astros move Framber, so an Astros team without Bregman, Tucker, and Framber should be a down year, they'll clearly have the pieces to be competitive in '26, assuming their return develops.

Hopefully for the Rangers, Langford and Jung have solid years.

Similarly, for Bradford, Rocker, and Leiter to have a '25 season that solidifies them in the rotation for '26+. With deGrom and Eovaldi, if 1 or 2 of Bradford/Rocker/Leiter establish themselves, that'd be great.

I'd like to see some of the bullpen guys, like Church and Corniell... if that's the direction they land, get some leveraged experience in '25 to play key roles in '26+.
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bmac_aggie18
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In reply to South Platte • 4:41p, 12/13/24
AG
I thought I read somewhere AJ Hinch was never a fan of him and even upset that they drafted him. His body language is so bad all the time and yeah he just looks like a giant miserable stick in the mud
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 6:54p, 12/13/24
DallasAg 94 said:
On position players, we may be mostly done.

IF Carter is healthy... you have:
4 OF
Langford-Taveras-Garcia + Carter
7 IF
Jung-Seager-Semien-Lowe
Corner IF: Burger
MIF: Duran+Smith
2 C
Heim+ Higashioka

That's 13 players. We could improve on that 13... but IMO... we start there.

Taveras, IMO, might be the most obvious.owe would be 2nd.
I saw a report that indicated the Rangers might still be looking for a LHB. That was a bit surprising to me and wasn't a part of what I predicted the Rangers needed. Maybe CYound has a better feel.

Looking at the lineup...
1. Semien (2B-R)
2. Seager (SS-L)
3. Langford (LF-R)
4. Adolis (RF-R)
5. Jung (3B-R)
6. Lowe (1B-L)
7. Burger (DH-R)
8. Heim (C-S) == Higashioka (R)
9. Taveras (CF-S)

LHB: Carter, Smith
RHB: Duran

You have 2 Lefties and 2 Switch hitters, giving you 4 LHB. 2 Bench guys - Carter and Smith are both Lefties, so if you platooned Carter and Langford, you could have 5 LHBs.

I don't see a current need for a LHB.

That raises the question... if we get a LHB, is it because we expect a current LHB to not be in the lineup.
Carter not healthy enough?
Lowe on the trade block?!
Smith being traded?

Don't take the Smith reference as undervaluing him. I think that was stated earlier. It is actually over-valuing him. Like IKF, there are teams I think that may see Smith as a guy that would fit in their everyday lineup. He likely is a .275/15HR/15SB capable guy that could play 2B everyday. For teams asking about Bregman playing 2B, Smith could be a cheap option as a Serf3 and then 3 years of Arb.
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rbtexan
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 7:14p, 12/13/24
S
Smith could absolutely play 2B for somebody, but I'd be remiss if I didn't point out that his best defensive position is SS, and he's very capable at 3B as well.
Jimbo Franchione
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Tksymm7
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7:16p, 12/13/24
AG
They've gotta get Carter, Langford and Garcia on the field together consistently.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to rbtexan • 7:45p, 12/13/24
I agree. My perception is that the current off-season market is greater for 2B. SS. 3B.

I just think he can be an everyday player and as such might bring back more value than him being Util.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to Tksymm7 • 7:46p, 12/13/24
I would love it if Carter is healthy for 2025.

Carter-Langford-Adolis would be awesome for 2025.
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Tksymm7
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 8:15p, 12/13/24
AG
True. Health depending.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 2:19p, 12/14/24

Pitching situation update after adding Eovaldi and Webb:

The "where are we at" Pitching. We have 23 on our 40 and only 13 will make the OD Roster. Sborz will be on the IL.

Going into ST, we're looking at set SP (4):
deGrom, Eovaldi, Mahle ($16.5M/$11M CBT), Bradford(L)

5th and/or Long-Reliever (2)
Gray ($13M/$14M CBT), Dunning ($2.6M; A3 in '26)

Set Relief (4)
LHRP: Latz (28), Pennington (26) <- Both serviceable
RHRP: Jacob Webb, Curvelo <- Both signed FA MLB deals this off-season.

Last (3 of 4):
RHRP: Daniel Robert, Garabito, GAnderson, Festa

And we are shopping for 2 externally.

Bubble guys likely to start at AAA (4):
Rocker Kumar (25) - #2 Rangers Prospect
Jack Leiter (24) - #4 Rangers Prospect
Owen White (25) - Likely last chance at SP. Likely ends up in RP or traded
Cole Winn (25) - Spent '24 as RP

Others of note on 40 (4):
Teodo (23) - #6 Rangers Prospect. Projected 2025.
Corniell (21) - #15 Rangers Prospect. Projected 2025.
Church (23-AAA) - RP
Santos (22) - #8 Rangers Prospect. Projected 2026


According to COTS, we're sitting about $28M under the CBT and last FO info indicates a LHB and 2 RPs are being sought.

Sasaki is hope but he won't sign until after Jan 15th. I would expect it to be down to 3-5 clubs before the EOY.

I'd rather trade off Gray and spend his $14M on either Yates or Tanner Scott.
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WestTexasAg
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In reply to DallasAg 94 • 7:25p, 12/14/24
AG
DallasAg 94 said:

Pitching situation update after adding Eovaldi and Webb:

The "where are we at" Pitching. We have 23 on our 40 and only 13 will make the OD Roster. Sborz will be on the IL.

Going into ST, we're looking at set SP (4):
deGrom, Eovaldi, Mahle ($16.5M/$11M CBT), Bradford(L)

5th and/or Long-Reliever (2)
Gray ($13M/$14M CBT), Dunning ($2.6M; A3 in '26)

Set Relief (4)
LHRP: Latz (28), Pennington (26) <- Both serviceable
RHRP: Jacob Webb, Curvelo <- Both signed FA MLB deals this off-season.

Last (3 of 4):
RHRP: Daniel Robert, Garabito, GAnderson, Festa

And we are shopping for 2 externally.

Bubble guys likely to start at AAA (4):
Rocker Kumar (25) - #2 Rangers Prospect
Jack Leiter (24) - #4 Rangers Prospect
Owen White (25) - Likely last chance at SP. Likely ends up in RP or traded
Cole Winn (25) - Spent '24 as RP

Others of note on 40 (4):
Teodo (23) - #6 Rangers Prospect. Projected 2025.
Corniell (21) - #15 Rangers Prospect. Projected 2025.
Church (23-AAA) - RP
Santos (22) - #8 Rangers Prospect. Projected 2026


According to COTS, we're sitting about $28M under the CBT and last FO info indicates a LHB and 2 RPs are being sought.

Sasaki is hope but he won't sign until after Jan 15th. I would expect it to be down to 3-5 clubs before the EOY.

I'd rather trade off Gray and spend his $14M on either Yates or Tanner Scott.
I'd be surprised if Rocker isn't in the starting rotation with the big club to start the season.
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dvldog
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9:37p, 12/14/24
AG
First update I've seen on the TV deal:

http://amp.awfulannouncing.com/mlb/texas-rangers-unique-approach-local-tv-rights.html

Quote:

Rangers primary owner Ray Davis and ownership are pursuing a TV plan where the team would negotiate individual contracts with providers such as DirecTV, Hulu, Charter, YouTube, et al. The Rangers would effectively create their own regional sports network (RSN), and it would make it much easier for fans to watch their games.

The club's goal is to broaden local viewership of their regular-season games, while coming as close as possible to their previous annual right's revenues generated from their collapsed TV deal with Bally Sports. Their original contract with what was then Fox Sports Southwest was in the area of $110 million every year. Last year, as a band aid deal with Bally Sports, the figure was reduced to $90 million. The team is now trying to maximize what they can get, which industry experts project to be a bit more than $60 million for the 2025 season.
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DannyDuberstein
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8:36a, 12/15/24
AG
Love it. I really think that is the way to go. Ultimately more eyes = more $$$. These streaming only options seem like a mistake. Just get lost in the wash
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chick79
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9:15a, 12/15/24
AG
I wouldn't mind paying $10 a month as an add on for Victory + like the Stars have. They should try to do some kind of partnership with the Stars.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to chick79 • 9:38a, 12/15/24
So, just a technicality, but Victory+ is a partnership between the Stars and "A Parent Media Co." The partnership wouldn't be with the Stars.

The idea of a Streaming service... or add-on is that it excludes any casual watcher.

I like this approach by the Rangers. It basically gives them control risk/reward for the product they put on the field. When the Rangers had a $100-110M annual payout from DSG/Bally's... it didn't matter if the team won or lost. They had like a 25-30 year agreement.

The Yankees (YES), Dodgers, and Cubs (WGN?!) and Braves (TNT) have a national coverage and viewing because they kept their media rights and as a result... would make more money through viewership when they won. The return of signing Ohtani and Soto is that they will help build a national brand.

If we sign Sasaki (long-shot) guess what... we are going to be able to capture more revenue. Which leads me to think that marketing Sasaki through their own media might be a way to lure him.
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DannyDuberstein
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10:06a, 12/15/24
AG
People are drowning is the volume of apps and services. You absolutely lose the casual watcher even if it's free. Even if a true fan, it's still an asswhip to constantly flip between apps. Plus, the rewind/fastforward/slomo functionality on some apps is really lacking. And as far as a developing your fanbase, I think it's a dangerous game to sign up for an extended time of not being readily available on various platforms
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cmiller00
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11:09a, 12/15/24
AG
Yeah I've kept directtv just to watch the Rangers but most wouldn't. Until the playoffs very few people I knew were watching the Rangers because they didn't get Ballys.
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rbtexan
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11:14a, 12/15/24
S
Self-indulgent pondering, but I wonder if/how this will affect out of market streaming. I've always subscribed to the MLB.TV with the single team pass. I'm guessing and hoping that won't change.
Jimbo Franchione
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cmiller00
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11:25a, 12/15/24
AG
Rangers supposedly in on Corbin Burnes. Seems like a long shot and would probably have to shed some salary.
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Flounder Dorfman
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11:35a, 12/15/24
AG
I like the idea of the Rangers setting something up directly with the carriers instead of doing their own streaming service. I follow the Stars and like to watch them on tv, but haven't taken the 5-10 minutes required to figure out what Victory+ actually is and how I can access it on my tv. I have the app on my phone, but that's as far as I've gotten.

On one hand, that is a knock on my laziness and lack of technology skills. On the other hand, if it was the Rangers I would have been up and running on day one. The difference is I am a casual Stars fan and avid Rangers fan. The team owner streaming app is not going to catch the casual fans at all.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to DannyDuberstein • 11:51a, 12/15/24
And Victory+ isn't available on YouTube TV, so, our household is no better for the Stars... and wouldn't be for the Rangers, in that scenario.
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DallasAg 94
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In reply to cmiller00 • 11:52a, 12/15/24
They were apparently in on Fried even with Eovaldi.

Good news.
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