In an ongoing series, we'll take a look at possible free-agent and trade targets for the Texas Rangers this winter.
Target: A.J. Pierzynski, C
2014 stats: .251 batting average, .288 on-base percentage, 12 doubles, 5 home runs, 37 RBIs in 102 games split between Boston (72) and St. Louis (30); .992 fielding percentage, 18% caught stealing rate.
This is an absolute flier, and probably won't even come close to happening, but the Rangers are looking for a catcher to pair with Robinson Chirinos. At first it was thought they might be looking for a star that could allow them to use Chirinos as a backup. Now that Russell Martin is off the market after signing Monday with Toronto, that list is a lot smaller. Chirinos, too, really emerged as a legit starting option behind the plate, mainly because of his tremendous defense and throw-out rate.
Pierzynski can be divisive in the room and his skills are obviously on the decline, but he had a nice year for the Rangers at the plate in 2013 and the hope could he could come, play a couple of times a week behind the plate and possibly even see some time at DH if he starts swinging the bat well.
