The Texas Rangers have been the topic of a couple Winter Meetings rumblings today as their search for an additional outfielder continues.
It was reported earlier that the Rangers could bring back free agent outfielder Nelson Cruz – and that his representatives have met with the club with another meeting possibly scheduled for later this evening.
According to ESPN’s Buster Olney –
Rep for Nelson Cruz met with the Rangers today; expectation is there could be another meeting tonight. He's wanted back by Texas.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 9, 2013
Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal — via Twitter — is reporting that Texas is also considering Shin-Soo Choo, and that the Arizona Diamondbacks and a mystery team-or-two could be in the mix as well.
Sources: Choo talks appear to be reaching critical stage. #Rangers, at least one other club in.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 10, 2013
Arizona is also reportedly interested in a trade for Los Angeles Angels’ first baseman/outfielder Mark Trumbo.
Olney reports that some executives around the league could see Choo falling to a team like Detroit sometime after the Winter Meetings.
Some execs see a very small market for Shin-Soo Choo because of the price tag, and wonder if he could be Jan. surprise for DET,a la Fielder.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) December 9, 2013
Choo, 31, put up a .285/.423/.462 line for the Cincinnati Reds in 2013 with 21 homeruns, 54 RBI, 133 Ks, 112 walks and 20 stolen bases over 569 at-bats, primarily as the leadoff hitter.
Choo’s .423 on base percentage was second in the National League behind teammate Joey Votto (.435) and fourth overall in Major League Baseball. His 112 walks ranked him second in all of MLB – again trailing only Votto (135).
Choo is a career .288/.389/.465 hitter over nine seasons with the Seattle Mariners, Cleveland Indians and Reds.