The Texas Rangers are keeping the lines of communication
open on free agent Michael Bourn and Arizona Diamondbacks outfielder Justin
Upton, according to Jon Paul Morosi of FOX Sports. If the price is right, the
Rangers would be willing to make either move, adds Morosi.
Rangers are keeping lines of communication open on Bourn (free agent) and Upton (trade), prepared to act if price is right.
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) January 14, 2013
The Rangers have been seeking an impact player all winter
but have so far fallen short of that target, instead signing Lance Berkman, A.J.
Pierzynski and Joakim Soria. They’ve missed out on the two biggest names of the
free agent market, Josh Hamilton and Zack Greinke, and watched other teams
acquire top-of-the-rotation starters in James Shields and Josh Johnson. Texas
has also seen Mike Napoli all but exit via free agency.
Now, with few options remaining, the Rangers continue to be
tied to Bourn and Upton. While Texas has a projected outfield of David Murphy,
Leonys Martin and Nelson Cruz, Murphy and Cruz are set to reach free agency following
the 2013 season. Texas may view Bourn or
Upton as a potential long-term upgrade in the outfield over Murphy or Cruz, if
the price becomes what they consider to be right.
Follow @mlbinjurynews
