Texas Rangers Eyeing Closers Before Trade Deadline

The Texas Rangers are reportedly interested in trading for closers Scott Barlow and David Bednar.

Think the Texas Rangers have added enough pitching before the trade deadline?

Think again.

At least that’s the sentiment from one MLB insider before Tuesday’s 5 p.m. CT cutoff for deals. The Rangers are eyeing in more pitching, with closers at the top of the list.

Texas has already added starters Max Scherzer and Jordan Montgomery, along with relievers Aroldis Chapman and Chris Stratton, to the staff in a series of blockbuster moves. General manager Chris Young, in a win-now mode, is reportedly not done.

According to MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand, the Rangers want to bring in at least one more reliever. One of the targets, he said, is Kansas City Royals closer Scott Barlow, who is under club control through 2024.

“Scott Barlow from the Royals is a guy who I know that they have had interest in,” Feinsand said on a Monday episode of Chatting Practice.

The Rangers also acquired Chapman from Kansas City.

Barlow has 13 saves and 47 strikeouts in 38 2/3 innings, but his ERA has ballooned to 5.35 after career-best 2.18 last season. The right-hander had 40 saves combined during 2021-22 seasons.

And there’s more.

“I think in a perfect world, they would love to get their hands on somebody like David Bednar from the Pirates who’s got three more years of control,” Feinsand added. “But that’s going to cost a lot.”

Bednar has 21 saves and 1.27 ERA for Pittsburgh, with 54 strikeouts and only 13 walks in 42 2/3 innings. The righty has blown just one save this summer.

The Rangers do have a deep farm system, so perhaps Young and Co. continue to shop right up until the final bell. It doesn’t hurt to look.

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