Thursday Newsletter time: Texas Rangers are staying busy, but bigger things are happening elsewhere in baseball
The Mitch Garver trade Saturday was a big move, but the rest of the Rangers' transactions rate as minor.
Most of the big-name free agents who remained after the MLB lockout have found a new home.
The teams that were looking to trade have traded.
The Texas Rangers? They’ve done stuff, like signing left-hander Martin Perez to a one-year, $4 million deal.
Outside of acquiring catcher Mitch Garver for shortstop Isiah Kiner-Falefa, though, the Rangers haven’t made much of a splash.
A target many thought they would pursue more heavily came off the board Wednesday. The Cubs signed Japanese outfielder Seiya Suzuki to a five-year, $85 million contract, which was about $30 million more than most were projecting before the lockout.
His price tag crossed the Rangers’ risk/reward threshold at some point.
Also finding a new team were Kris Bryant, Freddie Freeman and Kyle Schwarber. The three best remaining free agents are Carlos Correa, Trevor Story, Nick Castellanos and Michael Conforto, each of whom has draft-pick compensation attached.
Tickets going on sale
Anyone looking to get a jump on individual tickets for Rangers regular-season games can do so beginning at 10 a.m. Friday.
May 1 could be a hot ticket.
Tickets for all games except the home opener will be available at the southeast box office at Globe Life Field, texasrangers.com and by calling at 972-RANGERS.
The Globe Life Field box office will be open weekdays from 9 a.m. -5 p.m. and on Saturdays from 10 a.m.-4 p.m.
As for May 1, Globe Life Field has been selected as the location for the first major screening of Facing Nolan, a new documentary about Hall of Fame pitcher Nolan Ryan. Facing Nolan will be shown on Globe Life Field videoboards after the Rangers’ 1:35 p.m. game against the Braves.
May 1 is the 31st anniversary of Ryan’s seventh and final no-hitter.
Anyone with a ticket May 1 can watch the movie and also see Ryan and PA announcer Chuck Morgan during an on-field Q&A.
ICYMI …
Players across baseball are signing at a fast rate, and teams are striking significant trades. The Rangers have done a little of both. It can all be tough to stay on top of, especially with the NCAA Tournament starting today. Here’s the latest from the Texas Rangers Newsletter, in case you missed it.
T.R.’s Memoirs: Good times at Rangers spring training
Do you believe in second chances?
Making the most of the lockout.
Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast YouTube channel
Doggy video!
Everyone could see this coming, except for this pup. Enjoy. See you Friday.
