Texas Rangers Rank as Premier Free-Agent Destination, Behind Just Dodgers
The World Series champion Texas Rangers are the only team behind the Los Angeles Dodgers in Bleacher Report’s analysis of all 30 MLB clubs as potential destinations for free agents.
The Texas Rangers never had “it” when it came to free-agent destinations.
It wasn’t exactly baseball stars’ dream come true to find love in Arlington. Indeed, there were a few outliers. Alex Rodriguez and Nolan Ryan spring to mind.
However, there was not the same attraction to play for the Rangers as there was for the New York Yankees, Los Angeles Dodgers, San Francisco Giants, or Boston Red Sox.
The times, however, are indeed changing. Prior to 2023’s incredible World Series win, the Rangers were making significant progress in luring elite players to North Texas.
While it’s true that they had to pay Corey Seager and Marcus Semien half a billion dollars before the 2022 season, doesn’t every team make significant expenditures to acquire the finest players? The Rangers also signed Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi and manager Bruce Bochy, among others, coming off a sixth consecutive losing season.
Even prior to the team winning its inaugural Fall Classic, free agents were making investments. How about right now? Shohei Ohtani, are you listening?
Texas is the ideal location. and other people have observed.
For the 2023–24 offseason, Bleacher Report has listed all 30 clubs as potential free-agent destinations. Payroll Situation, Contention Timeline, and Quality of Life were among the factors that were applied.
Formerly just another MLB franchise, the Rangers rank higher than the Houston Astros, Yankees, Giants, Red Sox, New York Mets, Chicago Cubs, and New York Mets. The Dodgers are the only team behind the champions.
The reasoning from Bleacher Report is as follows:
Texas Rangers: Bleacher Report:
Why the Rangers are a desirable destination for free agents
Payroll Situation
2023 Payroll: $214 million
Projected 2024 Payroll: $204 million
The Rangers’ recent willingness to take bold chances in free agency has helped them win the World Series, and they might still have more in store.
During a Monday appearance on Foul Territory, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic stated, “I expect the Rangers to be aggressive this offseason.” “Their victory in the World Series will give them more confidence.”
Though it might not matter, the Rangers haven’t had much money come off their books. The club’s payroll is expected to reach a record high next year, particularly if they manage to sign Shohei Ohtani.
Contention Timeline
2023 Record: 90-72, 2nd in AL West and World Series champions
Farm System Rank: 6
Yes, the Rangers are contenders. Additionally, if they do sign a well-known free agent, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, and Adolis García will join the already impressive group of players.
Concerns should be raised about their costly and aging pitching staff. However, the club’s strong farm system serves as a welcome counterbalance in this situation, particularly given the abilities of top prospect Evan Carter.
Quality of Life
Stadium: Globe Life Field since 2020
2023 Attendance: 2,533,044 (16th)
Cost of Living vs. New York: -58%
Highest State Tax Rate: 0.0
You know, the Rangers’ success in luring free agents may be explained by the fact that Arlington is generally more affordable and Texas does not pay income taxes. Additionally, they play in the MLB’s newest ballpark, where after this season, attendance is expected to soar.
It looks like the Rangers have a big advantage over the other teams in the American League West when it comes to free agents. The division’s Bleacher Reports rankings are as follows: Oakland Athletics (30), Los Angeles Angels (14), Seattle Mariners (15), Astros (16).
