Rangers: 3 free agents to sign and 1 to avoid this offseason

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - OCTOBER 25: Joc Pederson #31 of the Los Angeles Dodgers rounds the bases after hitting a solo home run against the Tampa Bay Rays during the second inning in Game Five of the 2020 MLB World Series at Globe Life Field on October 25, 2020 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

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SEATTLE, WASHINGTON – AUGUST 19: Taijuan Walker #99 of the Seattle Mariners (Photo by Abbie Parr/Getty Images) /

1. Taijuan Walker, SP, Toronto Blue Jays

Look, it’s no secret that the Rangers desperately need help in terms of starting pitching. They have Lance Lynn, who may or may not end up on the trade block for the second consecutive season, depending on where the Rangers situate themselves in the league standings.

The Rangers aren’t going to be in the market for a big name like Trevor Bauer, since they’re nowhere near contention. With that in mind they should absolutely sign a young pitcher that they can put behind Lynn (or replace at the top of the rotation), as they await for their prospects to develop. Taijuan Walker is probably the best option on the market.

Walker returned to the Seattle Mariners last season after undergoing Tommy John surgery following one inning of work in 2019. The right-hander pitched in five games with Seattle, where he posted a 4.00 ERA and 1.074 WHIP, while striking out 25 batters in 27 innings of work. The Mariners traded him to the Toronto Blue Jays, whom were looking to make a late push for a postseason berth. Walker was solid with Toronto, as he carried a 1.37 ERA in six starts.

The 28-year-old proved that he’s deserving of a decent chunk of change on his next contract for his impressive play for two teams this past season. The Rangers should be the team to give him that deal, because they need reinforcements in that starting rotation.

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