In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: Mark Buehrle, LHP
2014 stats: 13-10, 3.39, 119 strikeouts, 46 walks, 202 innings pitched.
This one would take a trade, but it might be one the Rangers consider if the terms are right. The Toronto Blue Jays announced this week that Buehrle is on the trade block as a soon-to-be 36-year-old veteran. While his numbers aren't staggering, you won't find many pitchers in baseball more consistently solid than Buehrle, as he's eclipsed 200 innings in all of his 14 seasons as a starter.
He's owed $19 million next year, which is the final year of his contract, and any team trading for him would likely want the Blue Jays to pick a bit of that salary up, but even if it's $3-4 million, it could be a worthwhile deal for the Rangers to consider.
Buehrle would not only solidify the Rangers' staff as a strong No. 3 starter but he would also add yet another valuable veteran presence to the staff to go along with the likes of a possible Colby Lewis signing this offseason.
