Daniels: Texas unlikely to target big-ticket FAs

NATIONAL HARBOR, Md. — The Rangers are operating with some self-imposed financial and prospect restraints at the Winter Meetings, restraints that are likely keeping them from serious pursuit of free-agent sluggers Edwin Encarnacion and Mark Trumbo and trading for Pirates outfielder Andrew McCutchen.

The Rangers have found the asking price for McCutchen to be too high, with the starting point being an established starting pitcher and prospects. The Rangers are already looking for starting pitching, and they aren’t eager to trade prospects — although the possible availability of Reds center fielder Billy Hamilton has them quite interested. The two sides are talking.

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The fashionable rumor at the Meetings on Monday had the Rangers engaged in regard to Encarnacion and Trumbo, but general manager Jon Daniels said it is “unlikely” the team will be after big-ticket free agents.

“It’s more of financial considerations than anything else,” Daniels said.

The Rangers are trying to be creative in putting together their 2017 team. That’s the goal every offseason, but it appears to especially be the mission at these Winter Meetings.

That’s why they seem to be more interested in Cubs outfielder Jorge Soler, who became expendable because of the return of Kyle Schwarber, and Chicago is interested in Texas’ bullpen depth.

Soler, a right-handed hitter, is due just $15 …

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