MLB Dirt

The Rangers are probably seeking a catcher or two, an outfielder and adding pitching both starters and bullpen help.

Guaranteed Contracts

-Ian Kinsler, 2B: $75M throught 2017
-Adrian Beltre, 3B: $51M through 2015
-Yu Darvish, SP: $50.5M through 2017
-Derek Holland, SP: $24.3M through 2016
-Michael Young, UT: $16M through 2013
-Elvis Andrus, SS: $11.3M through 2014
-Nelson Cruz, OF: $10.5M through 2013
-Leonys Martin, OF: $8.75 through 2015
-Colby Lewis, SP: $2M through 2013

Arbitration Eligible Players [estimated salaries]

-Geovany Soto, C: $4.6M [3rd time, non-tender candidate]
-David Murphy, OF: $6M [3rd time]
-Matt Harrison, SP: $6.5M [2nd time]
-Neftali Feliz, SP: $3M [1st time]

Free Agents

-Josh Hamilton, Mike Napoli, Scott Feldman, Ryan Dempster, Koji Uehara, Mark Lowe, Mike Adams

In what was a respectable but clearly disappointing end to the season, the Rangers find themselves in what could be a huge turning over of the roster heading into the 2013 season. They have significant needs all around the diamond.

It’s quite possible Josh Hamilton’s time in Arlington is over, some team will be willing to give him more than what the Rangers will be willing to offer. The club may be willing to give the job to in house incumbant Leonys Martin or go outside and try and sign a deep group of center fielders, including, Michael Bourn, B.J. Upton, Angel Pagan, the could also show interest in corner outfielders Nick Swisher and Justin Upton.

It appears at this time the Rangers will keep both Elvis Andrus and top prospect Jurickson Profar. But their names will come up throughout the winter. The reason being if they decide to go after a top end of the rotation starter, one of those guys would most certainly be dealt. The Rays could be a fit as they look for a bat and could use James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson or maybe even David Price as bait.

The Rangers could also slide Kinsler to Left field and put Profar at second base. They also have Mike Olt who is a third baseman by trade but has been playing first and the outfield in the Arizona Fall League. He could be used as trade bait for a pitcher as well where the need for quality third baseman is high.

If the rangers don’t like opposing terams’ asking prices they could bolster their roatation via free agents, such as Anibal Sanchez, Edwin Jackson or Zack Greinke.

The Rangers also need to add middle relief as Lowe, Uehara, Adams are all free. Joakim Soria, Jason Grilli, Jason Frasor could be looked at to add to the pen.

Mike Napoli has hit free agency, the team is without a clear solution at catcher. Besides keeping in touch with him there is also, Russell Martin and former Ranger Jarrod Saltalamacchia. The team could tender Geovany Soto as mentioned but they still need another one. In addition the Rangers and Blue Jays have been flirting with one another about the Rangers making a trade for either J.P. Arencibia or newly acquired from the Marlins, John Buck.

Losing Hamilton would be a blow in the short term and Daniels has a big Christmas list but he has adapted on the fly before. They have plenty of resources in the farm system for a trade and have plenty of money to sign a free agent. There’s plenty of reason for optimism as the team moves forward.

Be sure to check out Dave England’s other work as a Texas Rangers contributor at Aerys MLB and be sure to follow him on twitter @Juniusworth.

Filed under: Digging Deep - Analysis Tagged: | American League, Angel Pagan, B.J. Upton, David Price, Elvis Andrus, Free Agents, James Shields, Jeremy Hellickson, Jon Daniels, Josh Hamilton, Jurickson Profar, Justin Upton, Michael Bourn, Mike Olt, Nick Swisher, Offseason, Texas Rangers, Zack Greinke