The Texas Rangers are looking for pitching help this offseason, and may be close to acquiring right-hander Yovani Gallardo from the Milwaukee Brewers, according to Fox Sports' Ken Rosenthal.
#Rangers on verge of trading for #Brewers' Yovani Gallardo, sources tell me and @jonmorosi.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) January 18, 2015
Texas entered the 2014 season with aspirations of a World Series title, but struggled through rashes of injuries that sent them to the bottom of the American League West division. This year, with high-priced question marks in the lineup, the Rangers front office appears focused on improving the starting pitching.
Gallardo's strikeout numbers have diminished significantly from a few years ago, but as the Brewers' de facto ace last season he posted a 3.51 ERA that belied his underwhelming 8-11 record.
Gallardo's strikeout rates have dipped, but last season he countered the declining K rate by improving his control, and walking nearly a full batter per nine innings fewer than he did in 2013.
The move is intriguing from the Brewers' standpoint, as Gallardo was arguably their top pitcher last season and they remained in the mix for the postseason until late in the campaign. There doesn't appear to be any reinforcements knocking on the door for an MLB roster spot in their farm system, so they must be getting an arm from Texas in return.
Gallardo is set to earn $13 million this season, the final year of his current contract. Texas has been out on several of the major free agents this offseason because they are hesitant to add long-term deals to an already-expensive team that spooked team brass about future performance.
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