The Texas Rangers made the first big move of the offseason when they traded their All-Star second baseman Marcus Semien for New York Mets outfielder Brandon Nimmo. Now, they need to find a replacement for the second baseman they lost.
However, there may be a great replacement that could even be considered an upgrade. Fansided’s Robert Murray believes that the Rangers are now a top contender for three-time All-Star and Batting Champ Luis Arraez.
“The possibility that makes the most sense is Luis Arraez, a free-agent infielder who most recently played with the San Diego Padres. Offensively, Arraez, 28, would provide an immediate upgrade at second base as he’s one of the better ball-in-play hitters in baseball. Defensively he provides very little — he’s very one dimensional — but the hitting that he provides would be key in bolstering a highly underwhelming offense from last season,” Murray wrote.
This past season, Arraez slashed.292/.327/.392/.719 with 30 doubles, eight home runs, and 61 RBI in 154 games. His consistent offensive presence could breathe life into an underwhelming Texas offense.
The Rangers will have competition for Arraez. But, they do have something over said competition: a link. The Rangers’ new manager, Skip Schumacher, was Arraez’s manager on the Miami Marlins. If they can use that connection, it could give Texas a leg up on the competition.
Hopefully it does, as the Rangers need all the help they can get as they try to return to being championship contenders.
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