Rangers listed among top potential landing spots for Braves ace

The Texas Rangers failed to defend their 2023 World Series title and ultimately missed the playoffs, finishing in third place in the American League West with a 78-84 record.

This offseason, they might have some work to do with their starting rotation. Three starters, Nathan Eovaldi, Max Scherzer and Andrew Heaney are free agents. This could leave them in the market to sign a top-level starter.

Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report suggested that they could be in the mix for left-hander Max Fried.

"Rangers GM Chris Young has starting pitching at the top of his mind this winter, and among the holes he must fill are those left empty by Nathan Eovaldi, Max Scherzer and Andrew Heaney," Rymer wrote. "Scoring Fried for one of them would be a big win."

It is important to remember that the Rangers are paying the luxury tax for 2024. Rymer notes that signing Fried would cost them two draft picks in 2025 and $1 million from their international bonus pool.

However, it might be worth it to give up those picks and the international bonus pool money. Fried is a durable ace that can be counted on in big games and has a strong postseason track record, having won the clinching Game 6 of the 2021 World Series for the Atlanta Braves.

This year, Fried went 11-10 in 29 starts with a 3.25 ERA, 166 strikeouts and a 3.0 WAR over 174 1/3 innings.

The Rangers would certainly benefit from having his presence atop their rotation with Jacob deGrom, even if it costs them draft picks. They've spent big in the best, and they would be wise to do it again if it means landing a top-tier pitcher.

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