Texas Rangers manager Ron Washington says the team has had internal discussions about all the top-level free agents on the market, including Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury, reports Jim Bowden of ESPN.
MLB free agency rumors: Rangers discussing Robinson Cano and Jacoby Ellsbury
Texas has said they are not looking for pitching, but rather that they want to strengthen their offense.
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Cano would be an interesting match for the Rangers considering they do not seem to have a position for him to play. Texas is looking to trade Ian Kinsler or Elvis Andrus to open a starting spot for super-prospect Jurickson Profar. Adding a fourth middle infielder to the mix would only serve to further complicate things. There has been some talk of moving Kinsler to first base, and the Rangers don't have a DH, but Profar and Andrus are both excellent defensive players and it's unlikely the Rangers would dole out the kind of contract Cano will receive just to have him DH.
Ellsbury makes a lot more sense as a potential target. With Nelson Cruz and David Murphy both free agents, the Rangers are lacking quality outfielders. Ellsbury is a defensive stalwart and speedster on the basepaths. Though his 32-homer 2011 campaign was the only time he has hit double-digit home runs, he makes up for his lack of power with a good OBP.
The Rangers have also been heavily rumored to be in the mix for free-agent catcher Brian McCann despite re-signing Geovany Soto. The team is also considering bringing back Cruz. In addition, if they have indeed discussed all top-level free agents, Shin-Soo Choo could be a name to watch out for in Texas as well.
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