We knew the Rangers would be bargain hunters this shopping season, but now we’re finding out exactly how cash-strapped they are.
According to ESPN the Rangers are interested in signing 39-year-old outfielder Torii Hunter, who was old and in decline a couple of Cyber Mondays ago. If you’re looking for a splash this winter, be prepared to be satisfied with instead a ripple.
Hunter lives in Prosper and flirted with the Rangers in 2007 before signing with the Angels. After a stint with the Tigers the last couple of seasons, he’s now apparently looking for a one-year deal with a franchise that will contend for a championship.
The one-year part works for Texas, which is salivating for players whose contracts will expire after 2015. And – though he’s played there only 17 times over 18 seasons – we can assume Hunter can fill the Rangers’ void in left field.
The championship part? We’ll see.
Hunter hit .286 last season, but it’s no secret that his best days are long gone. The Rangers are also interested in the Braves’ Justin Upton, who also fits their off-season parameters.
A native Texan who was born in Duncanville and graduated from UT-Arlington, Richie Whitt has been a mainstay in the Metroplex media since 1986. He’s held prominent roles on all media platforms including newspaper (Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Dallas Observer), radio (105.3 The Fan) and TV (co-host on TXA 21 and numerous guest appearances, including NBC 5). He currently lives in McKinney with his wife, Sybil, and two very spoiled dogs.
