MLB Insider Lists Texas Rangers as Possible Trade Partner for Shohei Ohtani
Sitting in first place in the American League West standings at 52-39, the Texas Rangers should feel be great about their potential postseason chances. Then again, there's a second half of the season to be played and the clubhouse could potentially use a spark.
How big of a name could Texas target before the Aug. 1 trade deadline? Try global, since Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani seems to be every contender's top target, including the Rangers.
According to ESPN's Buster Olney, Texas could be one of a select group of AL ball clubs looking to acquire the three-time All-Star in the coming weeks. The New York Yankees and Tampa Bay Rays were also mentioned as potential suitors if the two-way superstar is made available.
Offensively, any move made by the Rangers would be to bolster an already potent lineup featuring a mix of power and contact. The Rangers rank top five among teams in batting average (.274), hits (877), RBI (509), runs scored (531), on-base percentage (.341), slugging percentage (.492) and OPS (.801).
Despite boasting one of the league's better rotations, the Rangers could benefit from strengthening their pitching staff. According to a report from USA Today, the Rangers have been linked to former Texas and current Chicago White Sox starter Lance Lynn. The Rangers also recently added former right-handed reliever Matt Bush to a minor league deal.
The addition of Ohtani only strengthens the Rangers' chance to remain in the driver's seat of the AL West. As the Angels ace, Ohtani has gone 7-4 in 100 1/3 innings pitched. He also owns a 3.22 ERA and a 132-to-44 strikeout-to-walk ratio.
It's no secret the selling point for trading away valuable long-term assets comes at the plate. Ohtani is among the best power hitters, posting a .302/.387/.519 slash line while leading the majors in home runs (32), triples (six), OPS (1.050) and slugging. Ohtani also ranks third in RBI, trailing only Rangers outfielder Adolis Garcia and Atlanta Braves first baseman Matt Olsen.
Every team's two biggest questions are most likely longevity and the asking price. Ohtani is entering the final year of his contract and will command a record-setting contract this offseason that could reach over $60 million in annual salary. Acquiring the 29-year-old generational talent presents its own challenges, as the Angels' asking price likely will reach levels almost unheard of in the modern era.
Texas could be willing to part ways with several of its top prospects, including 2020 first-round pick Justin Foscue, but must also be content knowing Ohtani could be nothing more than a rental option. Olney also mentioned that teams in markets with more grounded destinations could be willing to give up more in terms of value.
Olney touched on the Yankees' aggressiveness to win now with a veteran roster could lead to an offer the Angels couldn't refuse.
"Gerrit Cole, Aaron Judge, Giancarlo Stanton, they're middle-aged players right in the prime of their careers," Olney said. "This is the Yankees' window to win now. You bring in Ohtani and suddenly, the Yankees rotation with him involved looks strong. Ohtani hitting in Yankee Stadium, which favors left-handed sluggers, that's something I'm sure the Yankees would be willing to pay for if Ohtani is made available."
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