After acquiring Jake Burger and Jacob Webb and signing catcher Kyle Higashioka, the Texas Rangers still have gaps to fill in their lineup. President of Baseball Operations Chris Young and Manager Bruce Bochy are focused on adding both pitching and offensive depth, targeting value players who bring results without breaking the bank.
Following a disappointing end to the 2024 season, the Rangers are seeking roster upgrades to return to postseason contention. The team appears unlikely to pursue big stars this offseason, opting instead for additions that provide solid returns on investment.
A value approach to free agency doesn’t mean cheap. Instead, the Rangers are looking for players who can provide consistent performance in the $10–$15 million range.
So far, the Rangers have addressed their catcher concerns by signing Higashioka to a two-year, $12.5 million deal. He’s expected to share duties behind the plate with Jonah Heim, creating a solid one-two punch at the dish.
However, questions remain in the outfield and bullpen. Here are three affordable free-agent options who could help Texas return to the postseason in 2025:
A.J. Minter is a candidate for the Rangers’ bullpen despite undergoing left hip surgery last season. Over his career, the left-hander has posted a 3.28 ERA across 348.2 innings, with 36 saves and has lots of playoff experience. In five postseason appearances, Minter has a 2.88 ERA in 25 innings.
While his injury history raises some concerns, a hip issue is generally less worrisome than arm trouble. Between 2020 and 2023, only three relievers made more appearances than Minter. According to MLB Network’s Jon Morosi, the Rangers, Braves, and Cubs are all interested in Minter’s services.
Besides Walter Pennington, who had limited outings, the Rangers lacked a lefty that could shut down hitters. How bad were the Ranger’s left-handed relievers in 2024? They ranked 27th in ERA at 4.82 and 29th in wins above replacement (WAR) at -0.8. So Minter could bring an experienced lefty presence to a struggling backend of the bullpen.
Spotrac estimates his value at $2.7 million, with a likely two-year deal.
Outfield depth and designated hitter (DH) are other areas the Rangers need to improve. Randal Grichuk, who had a strong 2024 season with the Arizona Diamondbacks, could be the answer.
Grichuk had an outstanding season with the Arizona Diamondbacks last season. Mostly used in a platoon role, the 33-year-old appeared in 106 games and slashed .291/.348/.528. Grichuk hits both righties and lefties well, but he destroys left-handed pitching.
For a team like the Rangers who struggled against left handers last season, a strong bat that can hit those pitchers could make a big difference in the lineup. The Rangers lineup only hit .230 against left-handed pitching in 2024, whereas Grichuk clobbered lefties for a .319 average and has hit .278 against LHP in his career.
Grichuk could help in the outfield, but he would also allow the Rangers to use Adolis Garcia in the DH role more often. If Young makes this more, it could open up the opportunity to trade Leody Taveras for additional pitching help. Grichuk would pair nicely with current outfielders Garcia, Wyatt Langford, and Evan Carter.
Grichuk is valued at $3.3 million and is expected to get a two-year contract, according to Spotrac.
Though Paul Sewald had a down year in 2024, the veteran reliever remains a reliable option for the Rangers’ bullpen.
With the Diamondbacks, Sewald pitched a small sample size of 39.2 innings and posted a 4.31 ERA, the least amount of innings he’s thrown since 2020. However, he still converted 16 of 20 save opportunities.
As a team, the Rangers only converted 37-of-53 save opportunities in 2024 and that was most due to Kirby Yates having a career year. Take away Yates, and the Rangers were 4-19 on save opportunities.
Sewald’s career numbers, 376.1 innings pitched with 84 saves and a 77% conversion rate, indicate he could stabilize the Rangers’ late-game pitching. His sidearm delivery complements will pair well with the over-the-top angle of Josh Sborz or Walter Pennington.
Spotrac estimates Sewald’s value at $11.6 million for a one-year deal.
These three free agents offer affordable solutions to the Rangers’ roster needs. With the Winter Meetings behind them, all eyes are on Chris Young to see how Texas navigates the remainder of the offseason.
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