KC Royals: Making the case, 9 Rangers free agents

With Corey Kluber off the market, should any other Texas free agents interest the KC Royals?

Welcome back to Kings of Kauffman’s continuing series analyzing the major league free agent market and projecting who might, or might not, fit the KC Royals’ needs. Today we take a look at the Texas Rangers’ free agents.

Corey Kluber was nice to think about. Winner of two Cy Young awards and a three-time All-Star, Kluber seemed somewhat sensible for the Royals to consider, even for a short stay, after pitching in a showcase event last week. But as they so often do, the always well-to-do Yankees spoiled a free agent party for everyone else by snatching Kluber up  a week ago. The Royals will have to look elsewhere if they’re still interested in signing a rotation piece.

Kluber became a free agent after finishing his second season with Texas in 2020; his departure for New York leaves nine Ranger free agents on the market. Are there any who might fit Kansas City’s needs?

The Royals continue to look for a lefthanded power hitter (more on that later). They’re solid behind the plate with Salvador Perez, but what’s behind him could stand an offensive upgrade—Cam Gallagher’s and Meibrys Viloria’s bats don’t offer much on Perez’s days off, or during his occasional visits to the Injured List. His own weak bat means KC doesn’t need to consider Texas free agent catcher Jeff Mathis, however. Although he frames well and is otherwise more than adequate defensively, his 16-year .194/.253/.300 slash is all any suitor needs to know about his hitting.

Let’s see what the eight remaining Ranger free agents might have to offer.