In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Potential Target: Yovani Gallardo, RHP
2015 stats: 13-11 record, 3.42 ERA, 184 1/3 innings pitched, 121 strikeouts, 68 walks, 15 home runs allowed in 33 starts
When the Rangers extended Gallardo a one-year qualifying offer worth in excess of $15 million, it was done with the thought that he'd decline it and hit the open market. That's exactly what he did. Now, his market has dwindled to two likely suitors as dominoes have dropped around him all winter. Now, it seems he's tied to the Orioles and Rockies, and the Orioles would have to surrender their first round pick to Texas in order to sign him, while the Rockies would lose their second pick as their first-rounder (No. 4 overall) is protected.
The likelihood is growing that the Rangers could possibly swoop back in and get Gallardo on a one-year deal on the cheap — less than the $15 million-plus he turned down back in November.
Gallardo was really solid for the Rangers in 2015 with the one knock on the veteran being that he had trouble working deep into games. He constantly said how happy he was to be pitching for his hometown team as a Fort Worth resident, but seemed a bit sour when the Rangers didn't make an effort to extend him beyond 2015. Now he could fit in for one more year on a make-good one-year deal with the hope his market could be stronger next offseason.
