It doesn't look like the Rangers are preparing to make a big splash in free agency this winter. Per the Fort Worth Star-Telegram, Nolan Ryan has said that the Rangers are unlikely to pursue either Prince Fielder or Albert Pujols, who are likely to command long tern, nine figure contracts this winter.
The Rangers are confident in Mitch Moreland, and believe some his struggles last season were related to a wrist injury he battled through the second half. Moreland batted .272 with 11 home runs and 24 RBIs in the first half compared to a .241 average with five home runs and 27 RBIs in the second half.
"We truly believe Mitch's career is ahead of him," said Ryan, who attended the Bobby Bragan Youth Foundation Gala that honored Rangers co-chairman and majority owner Bob Simpson on Thursday night at Ridglea Country Club.
If the Rangers truly do believe in Moreland and aren't simply posturing, then it would be foolish to invest over a hundred million in Fielder and probably over two hundred million for Pujols.
The other top five free agents available, according to Keith Law, are Jose Reyes, Mark Buehrle, and Jimmy Rollins. Yu Darvish is ranked ahead of all of that trio, but is not guaranteed to be posted. With the Rangers set at shortstop, it just doesn't seem likely that the Rangers are going to break the bank this winter, at least via free agency.