Texas Rangers Looking For Two Pitchers in One Trade
The Texas Rangers need to add arms at the MLB trade deadline, but there seems to be a caveat to finalizing any deal.
According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Rangers are looking for both starting pitching and bullpen, but would want to fill both spots in a single trade. Pitching has been a point of emphasis for the club to add since mid-June.
Teams like the Chicago White Sox, Pittsburgh Pirates and Detroit Tigers all qualify as sellers who might be willing to deal two pitchers for a suitable trade package. All three are nearly out of the running for a division title, and the White Sox have already begun their fire sale, trading right-hander Lucas Giolito and right-handed reliever Reynaldo Lopez to the Los Angeles Angels for two top prospects.
The Rangers aren't in need of an ace thanks to the Cy Young-caliber season from All-Star Nathan Eovaldi, but still could upgrade the back end of the rotation. Even a move to capture a No. 2, thus moving other starters down in the pecking order, would work. The Rangers are reportedly "worried" about the recent performances from Martín Pérez and Jon Gray.
Everything will come down to the asking price. Should Texas make a deal with Pittsburgh for All-Stars Mitch Keller and David Bender, several high-profile prospects could be in a trade due to the longevity of their contracts. Keller is under control through 2025, while Bednar will face arbitration until 2026.
The two Bucs have been staples of a lackluster season at PNC Park and could be the missing pieces to a championship roster. Keller's dominated as the Pirates' ace, posting a 10-7 record with a 4.01 ERA and 1.20 WHIP. Bednar, who likely would take over as Texas' closer, has gone 3-1 with a 1.35 ERA with 20 saves in 21 save opportunities.
Should the Rangers look for rental options, targeting White Sox starter Lance Lynn and reliever Joe Kelly might be the next plan. Lynn, 36, pitched for the Rangers from 2019-20 and has gone 6-9 with a 6.47 ERA in 21 starts for the AL Central club. The move would also allow Dane Dunning to return to the bullpen, thus potentially stabilizing the unit.
Kelly, who inked a two-year contract before the start of the 2022 season, boasts a 4.97 ERA and has 41 strikeouts in 29 innings pitched.
Both Tigers starters Eduardo Rodriguez and Michael Lorenzen are expected to be made available before the August 1 deadline. The left-handed Rodriguez was having a stellar start to the season, posting a 2.13 ERA in 11 starts when a left index finger injury landed him on the injured list for five weeks. Since Rodriguez's return, he's been mixed, posting a 5.66 ERA in his past four starts.
Lorenzen, the Tigers' lone All-Star representative, has both starting and reliever experience. While currently owning a 3.72 ERA, the 31-year-old right-hander has netted a 2.50 ERA over his past seven starts, while recording 31 strikeouts.
Relievers Jose Cisnero, Chasen Shreve and Jason Foley also could be on the move as part of a package deal.
Catch up with Inside the Rangers on Facebook, Twitter, TikTok and Instagram.
