In addition to seeking a starting pitcher and bullpen help, the Texas Rangers are looking to add a right-handed hitter this offseason, according to DLLS Sports’ Jeff Wilson.
It makes sense why Texas wants to add a right-handed hitter, as Corey Seager, Brandon Nimmo, Evan Carter, Joc Pederson and Josh Smith all bat from the left side. Adding another righty would help balance out the lineup, especially when facing southpaws.
While the Rangers won’t sign a big-name like Alex Bregman or Bo Bichette, there are several affordable right-handed bats on the free agent market that Texas can target.
LF Tommy Pham
Pham, 38 in March, will likely sign a one-year deal this offseason. Texas should target the outfielder, as he’d bring a veteran presence to the clubhouse, and the Rangers should be able to afford him despite their limited budget this offseason.
In 120 games with the Pittsburgh Pirates last season, Pham slashed .245/.330/.370 (95 OPS+) with 10 homers and 52 RBI. As Pittsburgh’s primary left fielder last year, he posted +5 Defensive Runs Saved and -2 Outs Above Average.
While Pham’s offensive stats were below average last year, he finished the season strong by hitting .278/.363/.468 with 10 home runs, 13 doubles and a triple over the last three months of the season. If the Rangers can sign him for one year on an affordable deal, they should do it. Let’s just hope he and Pederson have squashed their fantasy football-related beef, or at least will be willing to.
LF Austin Hays
Hays, 30, will likely sign a one or two-year deal this offseason for an affordable price, meaning the Rangers should consider adding him to address their need for a right-handed bat.
While Hays, an average defender with a plus arm, will likely be slightly more expensive to sign than Pham, he has the potential to make a greater impact than the former Pirate. Last season, Hays hit .266/.315/.453 (105 OPS+) with 15 homers and 64 RBI. He notably dominated lefties last year, hitting .319/.400/.549 in 91 at-bats against southpaws. Texas should do its best to sign Hays, as having someone who can post an OPS over .900 against lefties is extremely valuable for a left-handed-heavy lineup.
