MLB Trade Rumors: Texas Rangers Looking for a First Baseman

The Texas Rangers made what looked to be their only big move when they stole left-hander Cliff Lee right out from under the New York Yankees' hefty wallet.

However, it looks like the Rangers are not done moving as they are looking for a backup or platoon guy at first, to split time with current first baseman Chris Davis.

Davis has struggled in each of his stints with the big league club and that continues to hold true this season.

He's currently hitting .200 with just three runs batted in and not a single home run all season.

While they are apparently in "deep conversations" with one club, there are two other clubs that they are looking at with interest as well.

It doesn't seem like the Rangers are ready to replace Davis altogether, but he's certainly not helping them offensively.

Here are the teams and players the Rangers are looking at to possibly replace Davis at first base.

Jorge Cantu (3B/1B - Florida Marlins)

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, Marlins infielder Jorge Cantu is the guy the Rangers are after.

Nightengale says the two sides have had "deep conversations" and have continued to discuss options over the last several days.

What may still need to be discussed is the remaining $2.28 million left on Cantu's contract for this season.

The good thing about Cantu is that he can not only platoon with Davis at first base, but he can also give Michael Young a day off here and there and fill in at third base.

He's currently hitting .260 with 10 home runs and 54 runs batted in.

Ty Wigginton (2B - Baltimore Orioles)

Another guy the Rangers had been linked to is Baltimore Orioles second baseman Ty Wigginton.

According to Fox Sports, the Rangers had scouts at the Orioles' game against the Minnesota Twins this past Friday night to watch Wigginton.

While he and Cantu are both free agents at the end of this season, Fox Sports seems to think that Wigginton would be cheaper for the Rangers to acquire.

Wigginton is hitting .249 with 16 home runs and 49 runs batted in.

Derrek Lee (1B - Chicago Cubs)

Another name that has popped up today is Chicago Cubs first baseman Derrek Lee.

It's not the first time Lee has been mentioned in trade rumors as he was also linked to the Los Angeles Angels of Anaheim after first baseman Kendry Morales got hurt.

USA Today's Bob Nightengale says the Rangers are "taking a close look" at Lee, who will be a free agent after this season.

If Lee is the guy they want to add, I don't know that he would take a platoon role, and I do believe the Rangers would give him the full-time job.

While he's not having the typical Derrek Lee-type year for the Cubs, he's currently hitting .251 with 11 home runs 44 runs batted in.

He might be more difficult for the Rangers to acquire as he still has $4.95 million remaining on his contract.

Unless the Cubs are willing to assume most of it.

Mike Lowell (3B - Boston Red Sox)

Mike Lowell is no stranger to being linked to the Texas Rangers.

He was almost a Ranger back in December of 2009 when the Red Sox and Rangers seemed to have agreed upon a deal.

Instead, the Rangers backed out due to concerns over an injury and instead signed former Angel Vladimir Guerrero, which seems to have worked out for the Rangers just fine.

While there's no indication that the Rangers and Red Sox have had discussions about Lowell, he will still continue to be linked to Texas.

Wes Helms (3B - Florida Marlins)

Another infielder from the Florida Marlins that the Rangers seem to have interest in is third baseman Wes Helms.

MLB.com's T.R. Sullivan reported the team's interest early last week but said that there was no imminent deal between the Rangers and Marlins.

Helms has $390,000 left on his contract for this season. He's hitting .248 with three home runs and 18 runs batted in.