Texas Rangers No. 1 'Obvious Trade Chip' Could Fetch Pitching Help

The Texas Rangers have a logjam of young players that could be dealt, but Ezequiel Duran stands above them all.

While most of the offseason focus has been on potential Texas Rangers free-agent targets, other pivotal moves could come via trade.

The club is in the market for bullpen help with San Diego Padres closer Josh Hader a potential free-agent signing. But the Rangers have trade options available, too, including Ezequiel Durán, who CBS Sports calls the Rangers biggest trade chip.

Durán evolved from strictly a middle infielder to a player who could reliably play at first, second, third and shortstop. He did that in 2023 for the Rangers, working mostly at shortstop — when Corey Seager was hurt — and in left field. His outfield playing time was limited when Evan Carter was called up on Sept. 8.

Who needs a closer? @kerrancejames 👉 https://t.co/a9dR8onfZc pic.twitter.com/jwURRy5V0X

— B/R Walk-Off (@BRWalkoff) November 21, 2023

His offensive tools improved, as he slashed .276/.324/.443/.768 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI. When he subbed for Seager at shortstop, he was a .300 hitter.

The Rangers have a logjam of young players, and Durán is at the forefront because Seager plays his natural position, and Marcus Semien plays his second-natural position at second base. Plus, the Rangers have a steady, productive player at every position, along with prospects like Wyatt Langford at Triple-A.

That could make him a valuable trade piece for the Rangers if they’re seeking to acquire frontline starting pitching or relief help this offseason, as CBS Sports writes:

Duran is a Statcast darling because he posts huge exit velocities and has a cannon arm, though there are questions about his approach at the plate. He was great in the first half (.870 OPS) and not so much in the second half (.610 OPS) once opposing clubs figured out he'll chase out of the zone liberally. Still, Duran is only 24, has five years of control remaining, has power, and can play just about anywhere. For the Rangers, Duran is an obvious trade chip.

CBS listed three teams with middle infield needs as potential landing spots — the Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox.

Been There, Done That

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