Report: Rangers Likely to Have ‘Serious Interest’ in David Ortiz, If Slugger Reaches Free Agency

The Red Sox may have some competition for David Ortiz, if the high-priced slugger goes to free agency, after all.

FOXSports.com reports that the Texas Rangers are interested in the Red Sox designated hitter, if indeed he does decide to test free agency.

The free-agent market opens Friday at midnight, and it sounds like it's becoming unlikely that Boston and the DH come to a new deal before then. Reports indicate that it's still likely that Ortiz remains in Boston, but there may be some competition for him.

The Rangers may have to fill a large hole in their own lineup this offseason, with outfielder Josh Hamilton set to become a free agent. It doesn't sound like the Rangers have too much interest in bringing him back for a long-term contract, so bringing in Ortiz would make some sense. That offensive hole would grow even more if catcher/first baseman Mike Napoli, who is also a free agent, signs elsewhere.

Some reports say that it is likely that Ortiz will test the free agent waters once the deadline comes and goes.