In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: Wilin Rosario, C
2014 stats: .267 batting average, .305 on-base, .739 OPS, 13 home runs, 54 RBIs, 106 games, .989 fielding percentage, 28 percent caught-stealing rate
The Rangers are comfortable with Robinson Chirinos as their primary catcher, which is a bit risky but also understandable after his breakout 2014 campaign, especially with his play behind the plate. But they want insurance in case Chirinos gets hurt, or just proves ineffective.
According to the Denver Post, several teams have checked in with the Colorado Rockies on their young catcher Wilin Rosario with most of those being in the American League so they can use him as both a catcher and a designated hitter. Rosario makes a lot of sense for the Rangers for both of those reasons, along with the fact he's a right-handed power bat who has 62 home runs in the last three years.
The Post says the Rockies are looking for relief pitching, and the Rangers have a ton of guys that fit that bill, including Roman Mendez, Shawn Tolleson, Robbie Ross and Phil Klein. All of those guys figure to be a part of the Rangers' 2015 picture, but they're all very expendable, especially for a young, controllable bat like Rosario.
