3 Players the Rangers Need to Sign Once MLB Lifts Freeze

On Tuesday night, Major League Baseball and the players' association agreed on a blueprint for the 2020 season. The long overdue compromise paves the way for teams around the league to browse the free agent market once the temporary transaction ban is lifted on Friday.

For the Texas Rangers, a 60-game campaign opens the door for them to compete after they likely entered the year prepared to trade away some assets given their success over the course of 162 games wouldn't have been anywhere near as what it could be compared to this smaller schedule. It goes without saying that manager Chris Woodward's roster has a lot of blemishes, and signing these three players would go a long way in helping fix those issues.

3. Mark Reynolds

As things stand, the Rangers plan to roll with Ronald Guzman as their starting first baseman in 2020. That's not terrible considering he's tallied 26 home runs and 96 RBI across the last two seasons, but the 25-year-old is still a raw prospect. Should he struggle and need a few days off to clear his head, Texas would be wise to have Mark Reynolds waiting in the wings. Signing the 36-year-old slugger would provide other benefits too in that he has experience playing other positions and is about as daunting of a pinch hitter that a club could bring off the bench in late-game scenarios.

2. Melky Cabrera

Any team would be foolish to sign Melky Cabrera with the intent of deploying him as an everyday outfielder. However, for as drastically as his defense has plummeted in recent seasons, the 35-year-old vet is still reliable at the plate. Cabrera may not be the slugger he once was, but he can still hit for average and work the count. The former All-Star could rotate at DH with Shin-Soo Choo and even make a spot start in the outfielder if called upon.

1. Aaron Sanchez

Before fans in Arlington freak out, let's start by saying that the current free agent market is bereft of any star power as far as pitching is concerned. In terms of upside, you won't find an available hurler with more than Aaron Sanchez, who is still just 27 years old despite the fact that he's entering his eighth season in the bigs. He's as unpredictable as they come, but boasts a lively fastball and decent breaking ball. If things fall into place, Sanchez could make the fifth spot in the Rangers' rotation his own.