Rangers outfielder and designated hitter Shin-Soo Choo is a free agent after this season and he believes he can play baseball at least two more years. But first, he must talk to his family. They will play a big role in his decision.

Choo, 38, also likes the talent on the Rangers. He sounded like a man who wants to help develop their young players. For example, Choo decided recently he should no longer be the leadoff hitter and be dropped down in the lineup. Looking into the future, Choo suggested to Rangers manager Chris Woodward that outfielder Leody Taveras be in the top spot. Woodward took Choo up on the suggestion, and on Friday night, Taveras led off against the Mariners, while Choo hit sixth.

“[Taveras] wants to get better every single day. [Taveras] asks a lot of questions. He asks Elvis Andrus a lot of questions,” Choo said. “Sooner or later, he will be the leadoff hitter for the Rangers. That’s what I see. It would be great to give him experience for one month, make him feel comfortable.

“Next year, nobody knows. Give him experience this year. He is a switch-hitter. He has power from both sides. He is fast. He is a great defender. I see everything, overall. He is a great person and player. I’m happy to give the leadoff spot to Taveras.”

Although he wants to see Taveras at the top spot, Choo wants to end his season strong. Entering Friday, Choo was hitting .204/.292/.357 with four home runs and 14 RBIs. It hasn’t helped that Choo is dealing with several injuries, including an oblique issue.

“It has been tough, but I can’t make excuses because everybody is in the same situation,” Choo said. “It’s been a weird year for everybody, the whole world.”

Choo has put together a nice 16-year career, which included time with the Mariners, Indians and Reds. He said he never played for numbers, but he loved the fact that he hit .300 with 20 homers and 20 stolen bases in 2009 and ’10 with the Indians. He also loved the fact that he reached base 52 consecutive games in '18 with the Rangers.

“When I retire from baseball, I will probably be proud of myself,” Choo said.