With pitchers and catchers scheduled to report to spring training in two weeks, several free agents remain undecided and are nearing “prove-it” contract territory. That situation could work heavily in the Texas Rangers’ favor.
Something has clearly slowed the market for these remaining players as January winds down. For some, a disappointing 2025 campaign, injury concerns, or a lack of interested buyers has left them still searching for a deal.
The Rangers are in the process of significantly trimming their payroll, which is currently projected at $218 million. As free agents remain unsigned, their asking prices continue to fall, creating an opportunity for Texas to land dependable talent at a reduced cost.
4 free agents with shrinking markets who suddenly make sense for Rangers
Zac Gallen, RHP
The former Diamondbacks ace appears to be a fallback option for Texas, as he is still expected to command a solid average annual value even on a short-term, one- or two-year contract. Still, the fact that Gallen remains unsigned offers some hope that the Rangers could lure him.
Even after a challenging 2025 season, the 30-year-old has been among baseball’s most reliable starters in recent years. He has made at least 20 starts every season since 2021 and logged 34, 28, and 33 appearances over the past three campaigns.
He owns a 3.58 career ERA, which ranks 14th among active major league pitchers, and has compiled more than 1,000 strikeouts, 66 wins, and a 20 WAR across seven big-league seasons. Adding Gallen would further strengthen a rotation already featuring Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Jack Leiter, and MacKenzie Gore.
Austin Hays, OF
Hays stands out as one of the better fits on the list thanks to his ability to play multiple outfield positions. Although Texas appears set at all three outfield spots heading into spring training, Evan Carter is still working his way back from injury and remains a question mark until he proves he can stay healthy.
The 30-year-old batted .266 with 15 home runs, 64 RBIs, 16 doubles, and a 105 OPS+ across 103 games with the Reds in 2025, splitting time between left field and designated hitter. Over the course of his eight-year career, Hays has logged innings at all three outfield positions.
One reason Texas may hesitate to pursue Hays is that the current bench already provides enough flexibility to move players around the outfield if necessary. During the offseason, the Rangers added Sam Haggerty and Michael Helman, and if they perform at the level they did in 2024, they should be more than capable of filling in should Wyatt Langford, Brandon Nimmo, or Carter miss time.
