The Texas Rangers have had a very disappointing 2024 season after winning their first World Series title last October.
They have been unable to defend their title and are looking at the strong possibility of finishing under .500.
But that doesn't mean they're about to go quietly into the night. In fact, they likely will look to bounce back into contention next season.
Mark Feinsand of MLB.com recently listed the Rangers as a potential fit for Atlanta Braves ace Max Fried, who is set to become a free agent this coming offseason.
"Fried is one of the few homegrown Braves who hasn't signed a long-term extension, putting him on track to test the free-agent market following his second All-Star campaign in three years," Feinsand wrote. "Fried, a three-time Gold Glove winner, will be one of the top starting pitchers available this winter."
At the very least, the Rangers will have Jacob deGrom back in 2025, so they could pair Fried with somebody who can serve as a top-of-the-rotation arm.
Fried is having another strong season. In his 21 starts, he's 7-7 with a 3.62 ERA over 121.2 innings of work. He also has punched out 115 batters.
The Rangers may ultimately lose Andrew Heaney, Max Scherzer, and Nathan Eovaldi in free agency. Eovaldi could exercise a player option and return to the open market.
But Fried would be a good fit for the Rangers as they try to bounce back into contention following a disappointing 2024 season. He's a proven postseason pitcher who won the clinching Game 6 of the 2021 World Series for the Braves.
We'll see how the market develops for him, but Texas could certainly benefit from having the left-hander around.
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