The Texas Rangers have put what could be the finishing touches on the 2018 starting rotation, agreeing to a trade with the San Francisco Giants for left-hander Matt Moore in exchange for prospects.
A source confirmed the deal, which is pending the involved players passing physicals. The source did not confirm the number of prospects or which ones the Rangers are sending to the Giants.
Moore would be the fourth lefty in the rotation, joining Cole Hamels, Martin Perez and Mike Minor. Doug Fister is the lone right-hander, and it's possible that the Rangers could ask Minor to return to the bullpen in the first year of his three-year, $28 million deal.
None of the top free-agent starters were signed during the winter meetings, when the Rangers discussed a trade for Zack Greinke with the Arizona Diamondbacks. General manager Jon Daniels has spoken all offseason about the budget constraints the Rangers are facing this offseason.
Yu Darvish and Jake Arrieta the best free agents, but they should land deals around $25 million a season.
Moore will make $9 million this season, and the Rangers will have a $10 million club option in 2019 for the former top Tampa Bay Rays prospect who shut down the Rangers in Game 1 of the 2011 American League Division Series.
He hasn't realized that potential, though, in part because he was forced to undergo Tommy John surgery in 2014 after his All-Star campaign in 2013.
The Giants acquired Moore last season at the trade deadline, and he came within an out of a no-hitter against the Los Angeles Dodgers. But Moore struggled in 2017, going 6-15 with a 5.52 ERA in 31 starts as the Giants finished last in the National League West.
The Rangers have acquired five players this offseason for $25.25 million, and still are looking to add to their bullpen despite the additions of righties Tony Barnette and Chris Martin.
