Corey Seager and Marcus Semien already inked long-term deals to stick around with the Texas Rangers.
Who else might spend their best days in Arlington on mega-deals soon?
MLB.com recently unveiled their top candidates for long-term extensions past the 2024 season. Among the 18 players listed included Rangers' third baseman Josh Jung and rookie outfielder Evan Carter.
Carter and Jung played an integral role in Texas’ World Series run last fall, and while the Rangers have Corey Seager, Marcus Semien and Jacob deGrom locked up at big salaries until at least 2028, extending either or both of their young hitters through their arbitration years (or beyond) would give the club some cost certainty going forward. - MLB.com
Jung looked the part of a top 10 third baseman in the making during his first season at the hot corner. He earned his first All-Star bid after posting a .266/.315/.487 slash line in 122 games.
There's only room for improvement moving forward. Jung, 26, is a consistent hitter in the bottom half of the lineup and flashed the leather on heat-seeking grounders for a bang-bang plays at first.
Carter retained his rookie eligibility, but his swing was at a veteran form in October. His .300 batting average in the No. 3 hole kept the offense humming en route to a World Series title.
Where does Carter fit for the long run? He'll begin the year in left, but his speed and tracking skills could shift him over to center, especially if fellow rookie Wyatt Langford proves his value defensively in spring training.
Jung and Carter were draft picks and are under contract for the next six seasons. The Rangers have time to worry about arbitration but also could waive the years, similar to Atlanta, to lock the duo in for the next decade.
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