The Texas Rangers made some moves during the winter meetings. Two of the most notable was right handed pitcher Lance Lynn coming and Alex Claudio going. The Rangers also acquired Patrick Wisdom in exchange for Drew Robinson. Wisdom primary position is third base.
Lance Lynn is signed with the Rangers fro the next three seasons, a contract valued at around $30 million. Lynn is a guy who is known to eat innings, which is what the Rangers were sorely lacking in 2018. Rangers fans may remember Lynn when he pitched in the 2011 World Series for the Cardinals. Personally, I try to forget that World Series. Lynn has had a pair of 200-inning seasons during his career. He has a 3.57 career ERA. He has played more in the National League than he has in the American League. Last year, he had a 4.77 ERA in 156.2 innings with Minnesota and New York. This signing is probably not a big splash, but I don’t believe a rebuilding team needs to make a big splash.
The Rangers have sent Alex Claudio to the Brewers for for their Competitive Balance Round A draft pick in 2019 (39th overall pick). Claudio was very good in his time with Texas, but again, the Rangers are in rebuilding mode, and they felt that the opportunity to get a decent draft pick would be good for the future of the team. Claudio will be missed, he was a very good option coming out of the pen over the last five seasons.
The Rangers will have more moves to make, right now their rotation is as follows:
Mike Minor
Lance Lynn
Edinson Volquez
Drew Smiley
either Yohander Mendez or Ariel Jurado.
That is all subject to change with several months left to go before spring training starts. Overall, I am not disappointed with the Rangers winter so far.
