10 MLB moves that need to happen before the offseason ends

CHICAGO, IL - OCTOBER 18: Jake Arrieta #49 of the Chicago Cubs stands on the mound in the seventh inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers during game four of the National League Championship Series at Wrigley Field on October 18, 2017 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Jonathan Daniel/Getty Images) /

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7. Rangers bring back Yu Darvish

So far this winter, the Texas Rangers have been crying poor. Ownership has floated the notion that payroll will be cut by around $10 million down to the $155-million range. Roster Resource currently pegs the Rangers for about $144 million next season.

According to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, it is Darvish’s preference to return back to the Rangers after being traded away at the deadline last year. Such a move is not unheard of, as the New York Yankees were able to bring back Aroldis Chapman last year after trading him the summer prior.

"If all things were equal, Darvish would sign with the Rangers first. He loves the area and loved his time with them. Of course, not all things are equal, so including them is likely just wishful thinking on his part. Because, as has been stated often this off-season and just a few paragraphs ago, the Rangers aren’t going to be in on the big free agents. This isn’t an all-in season for them, as they again wait for their farm system to mature while gambling on lower-end free agents who could hit."

What remains unclear is how serious the Rangers are about cutting payroll. It could be a ploy to keep other teams off their scent this offseason. Texas has also shown interest in center fielder Lorenzo Cain and could also be viewed as a potential landing spot for TCU product Jake Arrieta. The Rangers could also be sitting out free agency this winter to gear up for bigger classes coming in the next two years.

The American League is still very top-heavy and the race for the second Wild Card will be wide open for 85-win teams again this season. The Rangers played poorly with Darvish on the roster last year, but actually turned things around in August. Pair him back at the top of the rotation with Cole Hamels and get a healthier season out of Adrian Beltre, growth from Joey Gallo and a rebound for Rougned Odor, and the Rangers could easily be right back in the playoffs in 2018.

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