According to multiple reports, the Texas Rangers will sign free agent starting pitcher Andrew Cashner on Friday. It is said to be a one-year deal worth $10 million. The hard-throwing righty will likely become the Rnagers third starter, behind Cole Hamels and Yu Darvish. Ken Rosenthal and T.R. Sullivan had the news first.
Sources: #Rangers close to signing free-agent RHP Andrew Cashner.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) November 18, 2016
Looks like it’s done at one-year and $10 million for Cashner…Long been on the Rangers radar screen
— TR Sullivan (@Sullivan_Ranger) November 18, 2016
Rangers Sign Andrew Cashner
In a very weak market for free agent pitchers, Cashner represented one of the better, and cheaper, options available. Though $10 million may seem like a lot, it becomes more reasonable when compared to what Jeremy Hellickson got for one year, and to what Rich Hill will get when he is eventually signed. Because so many teams need starters and there are so few to go around, they are bound to be overpaid.
Cashner, 30, has good moments and can be an effective starter, he had a forgettable 2016 campaign. The Texas native spent the season with the San Diego Padres and Miami Marlins, and compiled a 5-11 record with a 5.25 ERA. Multiple injuries caused him to miss large chunks of the season and limited his effectiveness when on the mound.
The Rangers rotation is weak behind Darvish and Hamels, making this signing something of a necessity for them. It would not be surprising if they added another starter before all is said and done. Cashner has dealt with injuries throughout his career, so the Rangers will have to hope he can buck that trend in 2017.
The best years of his six-year career came back in 2013 and 2014, when he recorded 3.09 and 2.55 ERAs, respectively. In 2013, he made 26 starts and won 10 games, a career-high. He hasn’t finished a season with an ERA lower than 4.34 since 2014, but the potential is still there.
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