The Texas Rangers are four wins away from winning their first World Series title, however, a top MLB insider believes the team is the front-runner to win the biggest competition in MLB free agency this winter.
After six straight losing years, the Texas Rangers ended up being one of the biggest surprises in the 2023 baseball season. Their batting order was one of the best in baseball this season and finished in the top five for batting average, home runs, runs batted in, and hits. While the pitching staff was solid, their lineup bludgeoned opponents en route to their first World Series birth since 2011.
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On Friday, they will begin their best-of-seven series against the scrappy Arizona Diamondbacks with their best chance yet to finally win an MLB title. However, even if they win a championship this month, that doesn’t mean they will not look to improve the roster in pursuit of a second straight World Series title.
Heading into the start of MLB free agency next month, there is no bigger name in the market than Japanese superstar Shohei Ohtani. The MVP candidate is expected to be pursued by several wealthy clubs, including the Los Angeles Dodgers and New York Mets.
Texas Rangers could target Shohei Ohtani this in MLB free agency
However, on Thursday, New York Post MLB insider Jon Heyman claimed the Rangers should be considered the current favorites to acquire his services this offseason.
- Shohei Ohtani stats (2023): .304 AVG, .412 OBP, .654 SLG, 44 HR, 95 RBI, 102 R
“They got a taste of winning, are unafraid to spend, and made [Ohtani’s] first cut six years ago [in free agency]. Word is they were ready to go for Ohtani at midseason,” he wrote.
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The Rangers have proven many times in the past that they are willing to spend big in free agency and did so in 2022 when they made two big splashes by signing Marcus Semien and Corey Seager, then again last winter when they reeled in Mets great Jacob DeGrom.
Playing for a good team with championship hopes is reportedly high on Ohtani’s priority list this winter and there are few better options than the American League champion Rangers.