DALLAS (105.3 The Fan) - The word "re-build" was thrown thrown around
Woodward knows his team is filled with a lot of players that are in the early stages of their careers, and he'll continue to roll them out there next season because that's the reality of where things stand with the club from a competitive standpoint.
As Woody acknowledged, they aren't ready to contend in 2021, but the onus is on he and his staff to develop their young group as quickly as possible to get back into contention.
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"I don't think anyone wants this to be a two or three-year re-build. I don't think we have to do that, but it depends on the younger players. It depends on their aptitude, their desire to learn, their desire to improve. And what I saw at the end of last year was really inspiring. How fast they adjusted, from Sam Huff, Leody Taveras, Anderson Tejada, even (Sherten) Apostle. If we have guys like Josh Jung and (Justin) Foscue, who have similar molds. I feel like we can improve quickly."
The Rangers can improve their chances of contending in a big way by adding some veteran players in the prime of their careers. It just so happens that there is a plethora of talent just a year away from hitting the free agent market.
Among the players set to be free agents after season are Javier Báez, Francisco Lindor, Trevor Story, Corey Seager, Carlos Correa, Noah Syndergaard, Freddie Freeman, Kris Bryant, Nolan Arenado (opt-out), Anthony Rizzo, Clayton Kershaw, Max Scherzer and Justin Verlander.
With all of those players available next offseason and with the club prepared to have their young players get their feet wet again in 2021, it only makes sense for the club to save their money for another day.
"JD (Rangers GM Jon Daniels) would probably be the better person (to speak on it). 2022 is probably where we're looking to spend some money. I don't expect us to spend a ton for next year. Hopefully we add some good pieces that fit our culture, fit our clubhouse, and are obviously talented. There's a ton of guys that are on the non-tendered list, the Rule 5 (players) I expect it to be active. So there's a lot of ways we can provide some value, and maybe get some younger pieces," Woodward said. "We still have a potential to trade some guys. I hate to do it. Especially being the manager (because) I want to win every game. But if we have to trade a few of our main pieces to get some younger, talented guys, that fit into our timeline, than I'm all for it even if it means we have to lose a few more games."
One of those players expected to be available is Rangers ace Lance Lynn, who was nearly dealt at last year's trade deadline.
You can hear Woodward's entire interview in the clip below (beginning at 30:00).