Rangers’ free-agent approach could benefit DeShields

ARLINGTON — Free-agent first baseman/designated hitter Edwin Encarnacion is off the market, having agreed to a three-year deal with the Indians well beyond what the Rangers were willing to do.

The Rangers could use more offensive help at first base/DH, and Mike Napoli is still available for a team that has an affinity for reunions with former players. Napoli, 35, hit .239 with 34 home runs and 101 RBIs for the Indians this past season, and he is also looking for a substantial multiyear deal.

That may be beyond the Rangers’ financial range, despite their unwavering high regard for Napoli and obvious need for his services. Their mantra has been that big-ticket offensive free agents are “unlikely,” first base will be filled from within and designated hitter could be a “revolving door” among multiple players. A reunion with Josh Hamilton also looms as a distinct possibility.

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The Rangers’ tepid approach to free agency could benefit Delino DeShields, their Opening Day center fielder this past season who is waiting for another chance. The size of that chance could be determined by what other moves the Rangers make this offseason, whether it is Napoli, another first base/DH type or an outfielder.

“I try not to think about it,” DeShields said. “I want to control what I can control. The offseason for me is going great. I want to be as ready for Spring Training as I can be, so I can go out and win a job.”

The first base/DH situation directly impacts DeShields. The Rangers re-signed Carlos Gomez with the intention of him being their center …

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