Rangers linked to Cardinals slugger following disappointing 2024

The Texas Rangers ultimately failed in their defense of their 2023 World Series title, following up their championship season with a 78-84 finish in 2024.

As such, the defending World Series champions missed the postseason and are now looking for ways to bounce back into contention in 2025.

The offense was one of the main culprits for the Rangers struggles in 2024, and that is an area they will likely look to improve for next season.

Josh Jacobs of FanSided listed the Rangers as a fit for Willson Contreras if the St. Louis Cardinals decide to trade him as part of their rebuild.

“Teams like the Mariners, Giants, Tigers, Rangers, Nationals, Blue Jays, Red Sox, and even the Rays stick out as teams who could use a big bat added to their lineup,” Jacobs wrote. “Contreras would have to approve any trade that happens, which in theory limits his value a bit, but I have a hard time believing the Cardinals couldn’t get something nice in return for him.”

One issue the Rangers might run into is the fact that Jonah Heim is already their starting catcher. However, they could make Contreras the designated hitter or have him split time with Heim behind the plate.

The Rangers did this in 2023 with Mitch Garver still in the fold. Heim drew most of the starts behind the plate, while Garver served as the DH.

Texas would have to give up a significant haul for Contreras, and might have to dive into their supply of young pitching that St. Louis would be interested in. 

Left-handers Walter Pennington and Cody Bradford could be part of a return package, but Contreras would significantly improve the Rangers lineup as they try to contend again next season.

Alongside Adolis Garcia, Corey Seager, Marcus Semien, Josh Jung, and Nathaniel Lowe, Contreras could make Texas’ lineup a force to be reckoned with.

It will be interesting to see if Texas decides to make a move for the veteran slugger this coming offseason. St. Louis is rebuilding, but the Rangers will likely do everything they can to make 2024 a blip rather than a trend.

More MLB: Cardinals expected to lose longtime slugger to Giants in free agency