Five Questions For Texas Rangers as MLB Winter Meetings Open

We’re curious about more than just Texas Rangers trade possibilities and free-agent acquisitions. What about Evan Carter’s role in 2024? What’s the plan for Ezequiel Duran?

The Texas Rangers are running behind, but that’s a good thing.

General manager Chris Young said the club was a little behind schedule with its offseason to-do list because they were busy, you know, winning the World Series.

It’s one of those good problems clubs dream of having. Young, who is starting his third season with the club, is looking to add pitching depth in the rotation and in the bullpen this offseason. The right move or moves could put Texas in a great position to contend for another title.

Those moves, whether it’s signing a coveted free agent, or working a trade with another club, could happen this week during the MLB Winter Meetings at the Gaylord Opryland Resort in Nashville.

Five Things To Watch at Winter Meetings

Here are five topics of discussion for the \Rangers in Nashville:

Why Are the Rangers Out On Ohtani?

Recent reports suggest free agent superstar Shohei Ohtani is no longer a potential Rangers signee. Is that true? If so, why? Too much money? Are there health concerns? We’ll try to get some answers from general manager Chris Young this week.

What’s the Plan For Evan Carter in 2024?

Rookie sensation Evan Carter lit up the Rangers fanbase during his brief stint with the club in September and throughout the postseason. How does manager Bruce Bochy intend to use him in 2024? Carter seems destined to be a leadoff hitter, but are the Rangers ready for that to happen next season? Also, Carter is probably best-used in center field, but Leody Taveras had a great season and occupies that space. What’s the plan?

What Are the Chances Jordan Montgomery Returns?

The left-handed starter came up huge for the club in the postseason and is likely to fetch a long-term deal in the neighborhood of a six-year, $180 million as a free agent. Jordan Montgomery is 38-34 with a 3.68 in seven MLB seasons. Along with the Rangers, Red Sox, Yankees, Mets,and Cubs have all shown an interest in acquiring Montgomery, who turns 31 on Dec. 27.

How Much Bullpen Help Do Rangers Really Need?

Young said last week that the club was looking to fill a couple of spots in the bullpen. Do the Rangers have any interest in re-signing Aroldis Chapman? After joining the club via trade in June, the hard-throwing lefty had an odd stint with Texas. He was dominant and unhittable at first and then struggled. By the postseason, it was an uneasy adventure each time he took the mound. And, of course, there is Josh Hader out there for the taking.

Does Ezequiel Duran Have Place On Rangers’ roster?

The middle infielder filled in admirably for Corey Seager during the first half of 2023 but faded with little playing time late and was left off the postseason roster for most of the playoffs. Do the Rangers like having Duran as a multi-position utility man to back up the infield or is better used as trade bait this winter?

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