Five bargain free agents who might still make sense for the Texas Rangers

In a week, the Rangers report for spring training. Roster construction should essentially be done. But that’s not the way things work.

The market never stops.

Last year, the Rangers picked up Patrick Corbin in spring training. The year prior: Michael Lorenzen. In 2023, they added Will Smith the first week of March, and he just ended up being the closer for most of the year for a world champion. There are bargains to be found.

We know this about Chris Young: He believes you can never have enough pitching and he loves a good bargain. So with that in mind, and with the acknowledgement that no roster is ever “complete,” here are five potentially cost-effective free agents that might still make sense for the Rangers:

Rangers

Patrick Corbin

Could a reunion be in the mix? A mid-spring, emergency signing last year, Corbin had something of a career rebirth with the Rangers, giving them 155 innings and posting a 3.36 ERA at Globe Life Field, which favors left-handed starters. Adding him would give the Rangers the ability to definitively shift Jacob Latz to a high-leverage role in the bullpen, which might prove helpful on two fronts. Corbin, 35, is the same age as former Ranger Martin Perez, who just agreed to a minor league deal with Atlanta. The difference: Corbin pitched 100 more innings than Perez last year. Corbin signed last year for $1.1 million and made another $1.4 million in incentives. Some kind of similar shared-risk contract – albeit probably at a higher base – might make sense for a guy who has proven exceptionally durable over a 13-year career. If not him, maybe there is a Jon Gray reunion to pursue. After the amount of time Gray has missed the last four years, he’d probably have even less leverage if he wants to pitch in 2026.

Newly acquired Texas Rangers starting pitcher MacKenzie Gore is introduced to the media by... Miguel Andujar

The Rangers had some interest all winter in right-handed hitting outfielder Austin Hays, who reportedly agreed to a deal with the White Sox over the weekend. Andujar, however, had a better 2025 offensive season – and has played some third base. But Andujar is a defensive liability in the outfield and has not appeared in 100 games since his rookie season of 2018, largely because of injuries and the defensive struggles. It makes it very difficult to gauge an appropriate value for him.

Jalen Beeks

The uncertainty of Jacob Latz’s ultimate role also has an impact on the bullpen. The Rangers have two lefties out there in Robert Garcia and Tyler Alexander but could use one more whether it’s Latz or someone else. Beeks, 32, has pretty neutral splits against lefties and righties and ranked in the top third of lefty relievers in wOBA allowed to right-handed hitters last year. And he’s durable, having thrown 151 relief innings over the last three years (and an additional 10 starts).

Danny Coulombe

The Rangers acquired the 36-year-old Richardson resident at the trade deadline last year and he was very effective around a bit of shoulder irritation. Coulombe, however, projects to earn somewhere in the $4-5 million range based on other deals for lefties with similar projected WAR. Beeks may be a bit more affordable at this point, unless the well-traveled Coulombe wants to spend the year at home.

Luke Maile

The Rangers could still use another experienced catching insurance policy in the event of a spring training injury. Right now, Willie MacIver, with 29 games of experience in the majors behind the plate, is it. MacIver has minor league options, so he’s a good long-term insurance policy because he can go back and forth as needed. Maile, 35, is a solid veteran receiver who had a positive impact on pitchers even in a minimal role in Kansas City last year. But anybody from a group that includes Elias Diaz, former Ranger Mitch Garver, Tom Murphy and perhaps even Gary Sanchez would be fine. We’re talking about a minor league deal with the ability to opt out at any time. Somebody will fall into their laps. Except maybe Jonah Heim, who is still available.

The Dallas Morning News’ ultimate 2026 Texas Rangers spring training guide