BERT BLYLEVEN
The Texas Rangers have made a big splash in free agency, by signing future Hall of Famer
Bert Blyleven. In real life he played for Texas in 1976 and 1977, so this is a rare case of my getting a guy after the Rangers actually did. But the Twins always wanted too many assets for him, and free agency means "it's only money", as they say. Don't know why Minnesota didn't re-sign him, as they don't have money problems. In any case, it's our first big signing in the new era of free agency.
Blyleven has been excellent in my universe so far, picking up the Cy Young he never got in real life. Going by his historical stats, re-calc should make him a little less strong in the future and maybe not the Cy Young quality pitcher he was in his early 20s. But he'll still have a lengthy career and hopefully bring a lot of value to Texas. He's on board for 9 years at $650k per year, pretty much what he asked for. When he presumably goes into the Hall, he has a good shot at wearing a T cap if we keep him that long.
We now have a historically awesome 5-man rotation of some of the best pitchers to ever play for the Rangers, but all at the same time! I also poach the best pitcher from a fellow AL West team, so our batting should benefit a little bit too. Excited to go into 1977 and give Oakland a run for their money. Just need to sign some bench players and bullpen guys.