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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers Jul 8, 2023 Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani 17 and center fielder Mike Trout 27 look on from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles Dodger Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Onceax 20230708_tbs_aj4_503
![](https://image-cdn.essentiallysports.com/wp-content/uploads/imago1031570522h.jpg)
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MLB, Baseball Herren, USA Los Angeles Angels at Los Angeles Dodgers Jul 8, 2023 Los Angeles, California, USA Los Angeles Angels designated hitter Shohei Ohtani 17 and center fielder Mike Trout 27 look on from the dugout during the game against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Dodger Stadium. Los Angeles Dodger Stadium California USA, EDITORIAL USE ONLY PUBLICATIONxINxGERxSUIxAUTxONLY Copyright: xJaynexKamin-Onceax 20230708_tbs_aj4_503
The Texas Rangers have just been stamped into history books. Post a rocky March-September run, they achieved their first World Series trophy. However, with that glory in mind, their next target will be the free agent market to find suitable players and build a stronger lineup for the next season. While the Rangers’ current postseason lineup has more than proved its worth, who will give them more strength except for the 21st-century Babe Ruth? Is Shohei Ohtani the answer to all their troubles?
The Japanese sensation’s free agency will be one of the most interesting ones this season. As his leaving the Los Angeles Angels is almost confirmed, fans and insiders are speculating on different landing spots for him. The Texas Rangers have been on the list already, but does the World Series win make them more determined to have the two-way player?
Texas Rangers Will Be Among Lon List of Shohei Ohtani Suitors
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Speculations are integrally related to possibilities. Since the Japanese pitcher’s free agency is just hours away, there’s a thick cloud of speculation about his probable landing spots. Leaving behind some renowned franchises, the Rangers are now emerging as a powerful contender for Shohei Ohtani.
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This season was a ground-breaking one for the Lone Stars. Qualified as a Wild Card entry to the postseason, they have achieved the first Commissioner’s Trophy since their debut in 1972. This win has electrified team spirit for the next season. To improve their odds, they will be rushing to grab other talented players they can get their hands on. Though Ohtani’s pitching career is still uncertain until 2025, the two-way phenom is even outstanding on the plate.
The pitching section of the Rangers is already great with Jordan Mongomery and Nathan Eovaldi playing for them. But their offense part is best with the 2x World Series MVP Corey Seager and Marcus Semien. If the Rangers get Ohtani, he will join them in their offense for 2024, taking the club’s fierceness up an incline.
Another factor that leads to their side is that the Rangers are big spenders. They have signed a 10-year, $325,000,000 contract with Seager and a seven-year $175 million with Semien. So, they don’t bother spending bucks to get talented players for a long time. In that case, there’s a definite chance that they will apply the same to the Japanese star.
The speculation is not baseless though. One insider confirmed that Rangers were interested in Ohtani’s trade mid-season.
ESPN Insider Confirmed Rangers’ Ohtani Trade Interest
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The 21 Century Babe Ruth is a target for many teams, but for the Rangers, he was always at the top of the list. Earlier this season, in July, ESPN reporter Buster Olney confirmed that the Texas-based team was willing to get Ohtani if the Angles made him available during the August trade deadline. However, the Angels didn’t trade Ohtani, so Texas will likely target him again during free agency.
The Rangers were not the only team who wanted to have the Shotime mid-season. He mentioned the New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays as potential suitors.
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With the Fall Classic now over, teams’ focus will shift fully to rebuilding in the offseason. Where do you think Shohei Ohtani can land? Tell us in the comments below!
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