Five free agent bats that could fit into the Texas Rangers’ 2025 budget cut

It’s time to be realistic.

Of course, Juan Soto would give the Texas Rangers one of the most formidable lineups in the American League with him and Corey Seager back to back. And, of course, Pete Alonso would answer any lingering questions about first base and his future. They would also cost more than the Rangers can afford, who have to stay south of the competitive balance tax line of $241 million.

Soto, Alonso and any other free agent hitter who gets a deal north of nine figures should be classified as a want, not a need, for the Rangers.

OK, so what are the Rangers’ needs? Oversimplified, it’s better fastball hitters, some veteran depth in the outfield, and another option at designated hitter. As a reminder: Texas hit .380 against four-seam fastballs in 2024 (third-worst in the majors), had a .662 on-base plus slugging (OPS) from its field (fifth-worst in the majors), and generated -0.9 WAR from his designated hitters (fifth worst in the majors).

The first hope for alleviating these problems is the seasons of inner growth, development and recovery. The second is offseason additions around the fringes with a budget that may not exceed $25 million and still need to factor in rotation reinforcements and a rebuilt bullpen.

In other words: who can the Rangers afford under these parameters? Here are five bargain bat options that could help fill the Rangers’ needs without doubling their entire budget.

FROM Randall Grichuk: Why? Hit fastballs. Grichuk hit .321 and slugged .615 against four-seamers in 2024 with the Arizona Diamondbacks and was a plus-8 against that pitching. The 33-year-old is a designated hitter option in the corner outfield, though his below-average defense last season suggests he’s best for the latter. The first question is whether he hits free agency. Grichuk has a mutual option written into his contract, and if he and the Diamondbacks agree to exercise it, they can return to Arizona for $6 million next season.

The second is whether it is in the Texas price range. Grichuk had the best hitting season of his career with the Diamondbacks and slashed .291/.348/.528, mashed left-handed pitchers and may be priced outside the $5-10 million sweet spot that could theoretically fit the Texas budget. If possible, it’s worth giving Texas a high-level platoon option a look.

From Eloy Jiménez: On a tight budget with holes to fill? Here’s a tip: buy low, hope for the best. Jimenez’s price, in this case, may not be much lower than that. The 27-year-old is a former Silver Slugger who posted an .828 OPS in three of his first four major league seasons with the Chicago White Sox. His stock dropped considerably in 2024 when he was dealt to the Baltimore Orioles at the trade deadline, slashed .238/.289/.336 in 98 games and was optioned to the minor leagues in late September. He still hit .545 against four-seam fastballs and is theoretically just entering his prime. His market value, according to Spotrac, is a one-year deal worth just $2 million. He played all but one game at DH last season, but has hit better when playing the outfield throughout his career.

From Adam Duvall: Consider him a replacement for Robbie Grossman. Duvall, 36, had a brutal offensive season for the Atlanta Braves in 2024, slashing just .182/.245/.323 in 104 games as a corner outfielder. So why did it make this list? He had an .855 OPS pitching against left-handed pitchers and is just one season removed from a 21-home run, .834 OPS percentage year with the Boston Red Sox in 2023. Most importantly, he had reached a incredibly friendly team. price

FROM Tommy Pham: He’s been with five teams in the past six seasons and is 36 years old, but Pham, like Grichuk, can hit a fastball. He had a .297 batting average and .447 slugging percentage against fastballs in 2024 with the Kansas City Royals, doesn’t chase pitches and can still hit the ball hard. He is a one-year, $2 million candidate.

FROM Manuel Margot: The 30-year-old declined in 2024 with the Minnesota Twins and posted the first negative season of his major league career. But in terms of what Texas needs, Margot hit .298 vs. four-seam fastballs, changeups and strike splitters and can play all three outfield positions. He’s better against lefties—who could pair well with Leody Taveras, who is better against righties—and shouldn’t cost a boatload.

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