The Texas Rangers have won the World Series for the first time in team history. They came oh so close in two appearances under then-manager Ron Washington, but unfortunately fell short. With this win comes great responsibility, of course.
Texas will enter the offseason starting...now, actually. The Rangers feature several prominent free agents. Chris Young has likely already considered this, and has a plan in place. World Series glory is often worth losing key players, even if they were fan favorites in Arlington. The Rangers made history by winning the World Series over the Arizona Diamondbacks in five games.
Young will target the Rangers best available free agents, so Texas will surely be in the race for the following players. Yet, fans should prepare for the worst -- the following players will not be back in 2024.
Rangers who will not be back: Jordan Montgomery
Jordan Montgomery was acquired at the MLB trade deadline, and will be pursued by several MLB teams this offseason. In fact, Montgomery's former home, the St. Louis Cardinals, are expected to seek a reunion. FanSided's Robert Murray discussed this rumor recently:
"Jordan Montgomery will be expensive, especially as he continues to pitch like a frontline starter for the Texas Rangers. But the Cardinals know Montgomery, have actively pursued left-handed pitching in recent seasons, and ultimately acquired the left-hander from the New York Yankees for outfielder Harrison Bader at the 2022 trade deadline...Clearly the Cardinals like Montgomery. He was their best pitcher when he was in St. Louis...It would not be a surprise to see the Cardinals pursue Montgomery again this winter, and a reunion makes total sense for both sides," Murray wrote.
If Montgomery leaves Texas, it will likely be because of the price tag. The Rangers have plenty of money invested in Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. They won their World Series. Montgomery's job is well done.
Rangers who will not be back: Aroldis Chapman
The Rangers knew what they were getting with Aroldis Chapman -- a player who was on the outs. Chapman rebounded quite well with the Kansas City Royals on a prove-it deal, so much so that he earned a trade to Texas for prospects. Chapman pitched well in Texas, especially in their postseason run.
All that being said, the relief pitcher market should be demanding. Chapman could reunite with the Cubs, his former team, or head elsewhere. There are too many potential suitors to suggest Chapman will return to the Rangers, especially considering they acquired him in the first place as a rental.
Chapman is no longer the elite, 103 MPH closer he once was, but he can still hit 96 on the radar gun and offers decent breaking balls to boot. He's not as predictable as he once was, and for that Chapman has earned a multiyear deal elsewhere.
Rangers who won't be back: Will Smith
Texas Rangers fans rode the Will Smith roller coaster one too many times this postseason. Smith was an effective reliever in the regular season, and has plenty of experience to boot. Yet, Smith should not be relied upon as a long-term option in the bullpen.
World Series bullpen success should not blind Rangers fans -- this group needs some help in front of Jose Leclerc. Smith. meanwhile, gave Texas nothing but heart attacks this October. He is expected to be a free agent after this season and by all accounts the Rangers will let him walk.
Smith is a journeyman of sorts. He has pitched for the Braves, Astros and Rangers of late. Yet, there is a reason the two previous organizations did not hold onto him. Texas ought to take note of that.
