MLB Free Agency: 5 teams that should target Lorenzo Cain

4. Texas Rangers

Center field has been a bit of a revolving door for the Texas Rangers the past few seasons. Carlos Gomez and Delino DeShields saw the bulk of the action at the position in 2017, and only provided mediocre production. All told, Rangers center fielders combined to hit .251/.332/.409 on the year. Gomez had the most pop, hitting 17 home runs and driving in 50 in 105 games. He is a free agent this winter.

With the Rangers, Gomez was able to revitalize a career that had begun going off the rails after a trade to the Houston Astros. That being said, he’s still too inconsistent and injury-prone for a team like the Rangers to count on as their starting center fielder. DeShields is a solid enough young outfielder, but does not hit for much power.

Texas has a dynamic, young lineup that can beat you with the longball or a well-timed stolen base. It’s a perfect fit for a player with a skillset like Lorenzo Cain’s. He would also add an element of consistency to a Rangers lineup that struggles at times to make contact. As a team, Texas struck out nearly 1,500 times last year. Cain will strike out occasionally, but not at an alarming rate like Joey Gallo, Rougned Odor and Mike Napoli, who all struck out more than once a game last year.

Payroll is coming down for the Rangers next season, as they are only locked into $108 million for the 2018 roster — including $18 million to retired Prince Fielder. Texas could be looking at being able to spend upwards of $50 million this winter. They will need to address their starting rotation, but should still have money to spend on at least one marquee position player.