The Texas Rangers are coming off a difficult year at the plate, finishing 26th in OPS (.683), 24th in total hits (1,275), and 22nd in runs scored (684). It’s clear they need more offensive firepower if they hope to make it back to the postseason.
Fox Sports published an article on Wednesday that states the Texas Rangers is the best fits for Chicago Cubs free-agent outfielder.
Tucker appears to be an ideal addition for the Rangers, a team that has already committed major money to stars like Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Jacob deGrom. However, Evan Grant of The Dallas Morning News has suggested that Texas isn’t expected to spend heavily this winter. If that holds true, fans probably shouldn’t expect the club to pursue Tucker, whom ESPN predicts will land an 11-year, $418 million deal.
Even so, the Rangers should at least make a run at him. The Houston Astros traded Tucker — a 2022 World Series champion — to the Cubs last offseason in a deal that sent Issac Paredes, Hayden Wesneski, and Cam Smith to Houston. In what was likely his lone year in Chicago, Tucker earned an NL All-Star nod, produced 4.6 bWAR, and slashed .266/.377/.464 (143 OPS+) with 22 homers and 73 RBIs, ultimately securing his second Silver Slugger Award.
While Tucker’s performance dipped after the All-Star break — he posted a .738 OPS over 41 games — he was playing through a fractured right hand and later missed time with a left calf strain. Before the break, he carried an .883 OPS across 95 games, so most observers attribute his second-half slide to those injuries.
Should Texas land Tucker, Adolis García would likely see more action in center field. The club would also need to balance playing time for young outfielders Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter, though the designated hitter spot offers plenty of flexibility. Ultimately, if the Rangers have the financial room, pursuing Tucker is a move they should make — he’s just 28 years old and on a trajectory that could make him a future Hall of Famer if his production continues.
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