Texas Rangers radio broadcaster Jared Sandler has hinted at potential pitching trade targets for the team, identifying notable names such as Corbin Burnes, Dylan Cease, and Tyler Glasnow. Sandler suggests that the Rangers might explore trades to bolster their starting rotation, indicating an active approach to improve their pitching staff.
Specifically, Sandler emphasizes the possibility of the Rangers pursuing trades for established starters like Corbin Burnes, known for his standout performances, Dylan Cease, a promising young pitcher, and Tyler Glasnow, who brings a formidable presence to the mound. The mention of these pitchers implies that the Rangers are considering strategic moves to enhance their pitching arsenal and fortify their competitiveness.
Corbin Burnes
In a separate development, it is evident that the Texas Rangers hold a keen interest in retaining the services of left-handed starter Jordan Montgomery. Montgomery played a pivotal role in the Rangers’ postseason success, contributing significantly to the team’s historic World Series championship. His stellar performance has made him a priority for the Rangers in the upcoming free agency period.
However, the competition for Montgomery’s signature is fierce, with the New York Yankees and St. Louis Cardinals frequently mentioned as potential suitors. Montgomery has a history with both teams, having previously pitched for them before joining the Rangers. The Boston Red Sox have also engaged in discussions with Montgomery’s representation, underscoring the widespread interest in the talented left-hander.
Dylan Cease
As the Rangers navigate the complex landscape of player acquisitions, the pursuit of top-tier pitchers through trades and the desire to retain key contributors like Jordan Montgomery reflect the team’s commitment to building a competitive roster for the upcoming seasons. The offseason activities suggest an ambitious approach by the Rangers to strengthen their pitching staff and maintain the momentum gained from their recent World Series triumph.
A recent report from Jon Heyman in the New York Post again reiterated the Yankees’ interest.
The Yankees have been particular about rotation targets, looking at Yoshinobu Yamamoto and Jordan Montgomery but not some others.
There’s also a growing belief in the industry that Montgomery will return to Texas. But until his signature hits a contract, the speculation will continue.
Prospect Standing Out in Winter Ball
Baseball is slowing down in the USA, but the offseason isn’t without real games still going on. The Winter League are going strong, and the Texas Rangers are represented in those warm-weather countries that are hitting the diamond.
MLB.com recently posted a list of seven prospects standing out in winter ball. Cole Winn, the No. 28 prospect in the Rangers system, made the list for his standout play in Puerto Rico.
Winn made a name for himself in 2021 when he appeared in the All-Star SiriusXM Futures Game in the midst of a breakout season. He has been inconsistent the past two seasons, but he showed some flashes of his potential in 2023 with Triple-A Round Rock, twice taking home PCL Pitcher of the Week honors. So far in his first winter ball campaign, Winn has seven strikeouts in 10 innings – good for second on the club in punchouts.
Josh Jung Honored by Texas Tech
The victory lap for the Texas Rangers will likely continue right up to Spring Training, as the World Series champs enjoy their historic accomplishment at ports near and far.
Josh Jung is the latest to feel the love of Rangers fans, both long-time and adopted.
The third baseman visited his old stomping grounds on Saturday, getting introduced during the second half of Texas Tech’s football game against Central Florida at Jones AT&T Stadium.
It’s been an interesting offseason already for Jung, who starred on the Red Raiders baseball team from 2017-19. Despite an outstanding first season as the starting third baseman and an All-Star berth, Jung wasn’t a finalist for American League Rookie of Year or receive Gold Glove consideration.
GM Young Addresses Free Agent Kershaw
If there’s a team Clayton Kershaw would leave the Los Angeles Dodgers for, it’s the Texas Rangers.
The chance to pitch back home for the Dallas native has tugged at Kershaw for the past two offseasons. He’s a free agent again, but the circumstances are different for 2024.
Kershaw is coming off shoulder surgery and likely won’t be ready for the start of next season. When he comes back is currently uncertain, though the 35-year-old three-time Cy Young Award winner hopes to pitch “at some point next summer.”
Could the Rangers be a landing spot? Texas general manager Chris Young is neighbors with Kershaw in Dallas, and was asked about the left-hander during the recently completed general managers meetings in Scottsdale.
“I can’t speak about any specific free agent,” Young said, according to The Orange County Register. “But certainly, as a friend, I wish Clayton the best.”
The Dodgers certainly want Kershaw back.
“We are very respectful of Clayton and Ellen’s decision and giving them the time and space to make the best decision for their family,” Dodgers president Friedman told the Register. “But selfishly, we hope it’s to continue and finish his career in Dodger blue.”
FOCO Releases Semien, Seager Silver Slugger Bobbleheads
FOCO has released the Silver Slugger bobbleheads for Marcus Semien, Corey Seager and a commemorative Silver Slugger Team Award that was bestowed upon them as the American League’s best offensive team.
The Seager and Semien bobbles feature both sluggers in hitting poses holding a thematic silver bat. They stand atop a batting box themed base with their names displayed in front. The backboard of the bobblehead features the Louisville Silver Slugger logo, the team logo, and a plaque commemorating the details about the respective players’ award.
Each one is limited 123 units, retails for $75, and stands at 8 inches tall.
The Silver Slugger Team Award bobblehead is similar to the individual ones but feature both Semien and Seager on the same bobblehead. They stand atop a thematic Silver Slugger base with the team logo on the bottom of the base and plaques for each of the players on the back.
This one is limited to 96 units, retails for $100, and stands at 5 inches tall.
Order your Silver Slugger bobbleheads, as well as view more Texas Rangers collectibles, at FOCO.com.
Voting Open for All-MLB Team
The Texas Rangers have eight nominees for the fifth annual All-MLB Team were announced this week, meaning it’s time for fans to help select the winners.
Fans can vote once every 24 hours between now and 8 p.m. ET on Nov. 19. Winners will be announced on Dec. 16, with 50% of the vote coming from fans and 50% coming from a panel of experts. See here for more details about the All-MLB selection process, as well as a full list of nominees by position.
Most 2023 All-MLB nominees by team
10: Astros
9: Braves
8: Rangers
7: Rays
6: D-backs, Dodgers, Mariners, Orioles, Padres
Here’s the Rangers’ list: Aroldis Chapman, RP; Nathan Eovaldi, SP; Adolis García, OF; Jonah Heim, C; Josh Jung, 3B; Jordan Montgomery, SP; Corey Seager, SS; Marcus Semien, 2B.
World Series Trophy Coming to Fort Worth, Billy Bob’s
After the Texas Rangers’ run to their first-ever World Series championship, team leaders are coming to Fort Worth to showcase the Commissioner’s Trophy to city leadership and receive a Key to the City from Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker.
Event details
- The Thursday, Nov. 9, event is free and open to the public and will take place at iconic Billy Bob’s Texas (2520 Rodeo Plaza).
- A free show from Squeezebox Bandits starts at 12:30 p.m., followed by the brief presentation ceremony at 1:30 p.m.
- At the ceremony, representatives from the Texas Rangers organization will showcase the Commissioner’s Trophy and Fort Worth mayor Mattie Parker will present a Key to the City.
- Billy Bob’s Texas opens at 11 a.m. and the showroom opens at noon.
- Paid parking is available in several lots in the area.
The ceremony will be live-streamed on FWTV.
“This is a momentous occasion for Fort Worth, North Texas and all Texas Rangers fans,” Parker said. “We are thrilled to host this event at Billy Bob’s in the iconic Fort Worth Stockyards and celebrate the team’s remarkable achievement. It’s an honor for our city to be a part of Texas Rangers history.”
Seager, Semien Set Club First in MVP Voting
Texas Rangers shortstop Corey Seager, second baseman Marcus Semien and manager Bruce Bochy are finalists for awards presented by the Baseball Writers Association of American (BBWAA), it was announced Monday in a televised special on MLB Network.
Seager and Semien join Los Angeles Angels’ Shohei Ohtani as finalists for the 2023 American League Most Valuable Player Award. Bochy is a finalist for American League Manager of the Year. All voting was completed prior to the start of the 2023 postseason. The MVP award winner will be announced Nov. 16, while the manager award winner will be revealed Nov. 14.
The Rangers have never had two players finish in the top three in A.L. MVP voting, although the club has had two of the top five on three previous occasions: 1974 (Jeff Burroughs-1st; Fergie Jenkins-5th), 1999 (Iván Rodríguez-1st; Rafael Palmeiro-5th), and 2012 (Adrián Beltré-3rd; Josh Hamilton-5th). The last Texas player to win the MVP Award was Josh Hamilton in 2010.
Texas Tech alumnus and Texas Rangers' third baseman Josh Jung attends the game against UCF, Saturday, Nov. 18, 2023. pic.twitter.com/zYYTO0aGFS
— Annie Rice (@annierice_photo) November 19, 2023
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