The Texas Rangers have been thoroughly passive this offseason. As the rumor mills turn the Rangers have reportedly looked to dump salary and not make a huge signing like they have in most recent years. Since the Los Angeles Dodgers had opened up calls to take the best offer for current outfielder and former Allstar Matt Kemp four teams had shown interest, Padres, Orioles, and Mariners. Jon Morosi of MLB Network has confirmed that the Rangers have become the 5th team to have serious interest in the 30 year old Dodgers slugger.
The Rangers are in need of an outfielder after they passed on resigning, right fielder, Alex Rios. The move would have Sin Soo Choo in right field, Kemp would sure up the left-side while Leonys Martin mans centerfield. The Rangers have the pieces to make this happen but at what cost would they be willing to achieve it at? Two of the Rangers top prospects Joey Gallo and Rougned Odor seem to be off the table. The last remaining hope to make the deal possible would be to part ways with short stop Elvis Andrus as both contracts would have a close enough match in numbers.
It’s doubtful the Rangers would be willing to rid their team of the up-and-coming talent while taking on higher financial assets but as rumors have circulated all offseason, the possibility of moving Elvis Andrus is likely. If Andrus is moved for Kemp the Rangers could sure up their corner outfield while adding offensive firepower, so why not…
*Photo Courtesy of : Thesportsquotient.com*
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