The Rangers are under serious financial restrictions after owner Tom Hicks borrowed at least 15 million dollars from Major League Baseball, giving MLB the right to make some personnel moves this season. Rangers president Nolan Ryan conceded to the Star-Telegram that the Rangers are 'kind of hamstrung,' putting their offseason plans in question.
The Rangers have nine players eligible for free agency, and will likely face competition from rival clubs once the free agency period begins. The Rangers impending free agents include Hank Blalock, Marlon Byrd, Ivan Rodriguez, and Andruw Jones, to name a few. With an influx of young pitchers, the Rangers may be able to afford moving Kevin Millwood, who is in the final year of his contract. However, he is scheduled to make 12 million dollars next season.
The Rangers do not need to make a huge splash on the free agent market. They are still in playoff contention with a very young and inexperienced club. A veteran backstop like Henry Blanco could pay dividends down the road, along with a third baseman. They will likely lose Hank Blalock to free agency, and need an upgrade over veteran Omar Vizquel.
The Blue Jays have said they will look to move Edwin Encarnacion, who will make 4.25 million dollars next season. A bad attitude and poor work ethic could bring down his value, meaning the Rangers could take a chance without surrendering much.