The Texas rangers had an abysmal season in 2014, coming in last place in the American League West despite spring training World Series dreams. Injuries played a large role in their slide to the basement, and this offseason they're looking to address their pitching needs before touching the lineup.
Atlanta Braves outfielder Justin Upton has been one of the hottest topics this offseason, but reports are out that say the Rangers are more interested in landing starting pitcher Andrew Cashner of the San Diego Padres.
Rangers general manager Jon Daniels is under some strict financial constraints following a spending spree during the 2013 offseason that landed first baseman Prince Fielder via trade and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo in free agency, so he's more interested in adding quality parts to the core of the roster, and not surrendering young players for a stud.
"It's something we've talked about a lot," Daniels said of being unsure how this year's roster will rebound from the 2014 debacle. "Before we jump out and add a 'finishing' type piece, I'd like to see where we are with our core players. Is it prudent to be a little more conservative right now and add some pieces to the core and still maintain our flexibility?"
Upton, 27, is owed $14.5 million this season and will be a free agent the following season. Should he have a big year, he'll be in line for an enormous and lengthy deal, which Texas is already chock full of.
Cashner is cheaper, younger, and addresses a more immediate need. He only made 19 starts last season, but went 5-7 with a 2.55 ERA in those starts, along with a 1.13 WHIP, 93 strikeouts and two shutouts.
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