this winter, but it could make noise in free agency.

The team could use a frontline starting pitcher with Jimmy Nelson coming off shoulder surgery, and has showed interest in right-hander Jake Arrieta, per MLB Network's Jon Morosi.

The 31-year-old has seen his velocity dip and ERA climb since his 2015 NL Cy Young Award-winning campaign, but he's still an ace-level talent.

Signing him would clearly signal Milwaukee's intention to win, and would take a key contributor away from the Cubbies.

The Brewers can now credibly call Chicago a rival. Inking Arrieta would thicken the plot.

RHP Yu Darvish: Texas Rangers

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Yu Darvish made four All-Star teams and had two top-10 AL Cy Young Award finsishes during his tenure with the Texas Rangers.

Yes, he missed the entire 2015 season toTommy John surgery, but overall, Arlington was good to the Japanese right-hander and he was good to it.

Things went less swimmingly after Darvish was dealt to the Los Angeles Dodgers at the 2017 trade deadline. He battled initial injury problems, and theninfamously crumbled in the postseason.

Still, someone is going to pay the 31-year-old handsomely in free agency. That someone could be the Rangers.

Texas needs a starter to augment left-hander Cole Hamels, who posted a 4.20 ERA and failed to reach 200 innings for the first time since 2009.

There are less expensive options than Darvish, but few with more upside. And, as Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram reported, Texas GM Jon Daniels said the team's relationship with Darvish "remains strong."

Also strong? The Rangers' need to think big