“Rangers Flip the Script—Now Eyeing Key Upgrades at Trade Deadline

Rangers Shift From Potential Sellers to Trade Deadline Buyers After Midseason Surge

Not long ago, the Texas Rangers looked like a team headed toward selling at the MLB trade deadline. On June 6, following a 2–0 loss to the Nationals, they fell to six games under .500—their lowest point of the season. At the time, the offense was sputtering, often wasting strong performances from the pitching staff.

Now, following a hot streak, the Rangers are back in the conversation as potential buyers ahead of the July 31 trade deadline.

Last year, despite missing the playoffs, Texas chose not to deal veterans on expiring contracts. Instead, they added reliever Andrew Chafin—a move that drew some criticism in hindsight. With several veterans on short-term deals again this season, GM Chris Young may take a different approach this time.

According to David Schoenfield of ESPN, the Rangers are likely to pursue help at first base and in the bullpen. He noted that Texas could be in the mix for players like Ryan O’Hearn or Josh Naylor, both of whom would bring serious offensive power to a lineup that’s shown signs of life, but still lacks consistent production.

Joc Pederson and Jake Burger, the team’s major offseason acquisitions, have not delivered the expected impact. There’s clearly an opening at DH and first base, and both O’Hearn and Naylor—despite being rentals—could provide a big upgrade. However, competition will be stiff, as impact bats are scarce this year.

On the pitching side, the bullpen remains a major concern. After letting David Robertson, Kirby Yates, Jose Leclerc, and Andrew Chafin walk in free agency, Texas failed to bring in experienced late-inning arms. The closer role has been a revolving door, with Luke Jackson leading the team in saves, but far from locking down the job.

So far, eight pitchers have recorded at least one save, and five have multiple, indicating instability in the late innings. With only 27 saves in 44 opportunities, the bullpen is clearly a top priority as the deadline approaches.

As the Rangers stay close to .500 and continue to push for a playoff spot, upgrades at first base and in the bullpen could be the difference between another disappointing finish—or a legitimate postseason run.