In the lead-up to the trade deadline, the big question surrounding the Texas Rangers was whether they’d be buyers or sellers. With an underwhelming offense for much of the season and a sub-.500 record since mid-May, it once looked like Texas might sell at the deadline. However, an 8-3 stretch—including five wins in six games since the All-Star Break—has kept them firmly in the playoff hunt. They now sit just 1.5 games out of the third Wild Card spot and 2.0 out of the second, with Fangraphs giving them a 31.8% chance to make the postseason.
That likely puts Texas in the “buyer” category. Still, unless things change dramatically over the next few games, the Rangers don’t appear set to be aggressive shoppers at the deadline.
Rotation Outlook
For once, the Rangers don’t need to target starting pitching. Their current rotation features Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, Patrick Corbin, Jack Leiter, and Kumar Rocker. Jon Gray is back from injury and working out of the bullpen but could move into the rotation if needed. Tyler Mahle is expected to return later in the season. While the depth beyond this group is thin, with only journeymen and untested prospects as backup options, the team doesn’t appear desperate to add a starter unless Mahle’s return timeline becomes a concern.
Position Player Market
Texas’s offensive numbers have improved, lessening the urgency to make big lineup changes. Joc Pederson is due back soon and could be a solid DH against righties. Jake Burger should return in August and has been better since his demotion. While some players are underperforming, there aren’t many clear upgrades available that would justify a trade.
If the Rangers do add a position player, it will likely be a low-cost, right-handed bat off the bench—possibly someone to platoon with Pederson at DH. Replacing a starter like Josh Jung with a rental such as Eugenio Suarez seems unlikely given the cost and internal alternatives like Josh Smith.
Bullpen Help Most Likely
The bullpen is where a deadline move seems most probable. Despite strong overall numbers (3.24 ERA, 3rd in MLB), the Rangers are thin in late-inning options. Injuries and inconsistency have limited their top relievers—Luke Jackson was DFA’d, Chris Martin is out until September, and Robert Garcia, while effective, carries a concerning xERA.
Beyond Garcia, the bullpen includes journeymen like Shawn Armstrong and Jacob Webb, swingmen like Jacob Latz and Caleb Boushley, and the hopeful but untested Cole Winn. Jon Gray could help in late innings, but may also be needed in the rotation.
Internal bullpen reinforcements are questionable. Josh Sborz is rehabbing but hasn’t pitched this year, and prospects Marc Church and Emiliano Teodo have dealt with injuries and ineffectiveness.
As such, Texas will likely seek high-leverage relievers capable of handling eighth- or ninth-inning duties—arms that can miss bats in crucial spots. Unlike their quantity-based offseason bullpen approach, expect the Rangers to prioritize quality this time.
Deadline Outlook
Unless the team collapses or suffers major injuries before the deadline, don’t expect Texas to swing any blockbuster deals like they did with Cliff Lee or Max Scherzer in past years. A bullpen upgrade and perhaps a right-handed bat off the bench are the most likely moves. The Rangers are in the playoff race, but aren’t expected to go all-in.
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