Potential Target: Mat Latos

In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.

Target: Mat Latos, RHP

2014 stats: 5-5, 3.25 ERA, 74 strikeouts, 26 walks, 102 1/3 innings pitched

Apparently two straight seasons of 200 innings or more took its toll on the soon-to-be 27-year-old righty in 2014, as he only made 16 starts after being the model of durability for a few years in both San Diego and Cincinnati. Now, it appears the Reds are shopping him around with one of control before he becomes a free agent after the 2015 season.

Latos has never been a huge strikeout pitcher, but he's put up good numbers, albeit in the National League where pitchers always tend to fare better than in the American League. But for what the Rangers are looking for he might be the perfect solution for a couple of reasons. First, he'd be a perfect fit as a No. 3-type starter that they're looking for, and at his best could even be a No. 2. Secondly, he'll be free after the 2015 season meaning he wouldn't cost a ton in prospects and when they let him walk in free agency they'll have a healthy (hopefully) Martin Perez to plug right into that spot in 2016.

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