Rangers Trade Rumors: Hellickson, Volquez and the 11th Hour
By Reid Hanson
The Texas Rangers are shopping the market and may be making some moves before the deadline on August 1st. Let’s take a look at the trade rumors…
The Texas Rangers see their window closing on the once-promising 2016 season. After starting the season as the AL team to beat, they have been in a 30-day free fall. Their 11 game lead in the AL West has shrunk to 3.5 and the red-hot Astros are nipping at their battered heels.
Jon Daniels knows he has to do something to get the Rangers back on track. Whether it’s a big named player or a few spare parts, someone has to be added before the deadline arrives. Here is what’s being discussed and what it appears the Rangers will be doing:
Tampa Bay Rays
The sheer numbers suggest Tampa bay will be the Texas Rangers most likily trade partner this weekend. The perpetually selling Rays are shopping all of their top arms this summer. Players like Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi, and Drew “Can I Buy A Vowel” Smyly are all said to be on the market and on the Texas Rangers radar.
Chris Archer, their staff ace, is also said to be on the market (as discussed by DRaysBeat) But the cost of Archer would be far beyond what Jon Daniels would be willing to part with.
How much?
Do Joey Gallo, Jurickson Profar, Lewis Brinson, and Luis Ortiz do anything for ya? Think about trading three of those four players for an idea of his asking price.
Not gonna happen.
If a deal is struck here it’s going to be for the previous three players and it’s going to be at a substantially lower cost. The problem now is the Rays want Profar in any deal and the Rangers don’t want Profar in any deal.
Starting Pitcher, Jeremy Hellickson
According to ESPN’s Jerry Crasnick and MLB Trade Rumors.com the Rangers were one of three teams scouting Philadelphia’s Jeremy Hellickson. Hellickson, 6’1” 190lbs, is a soon-to-be Boras free agent. The Phillies are determined to trade him before the deadline before losing him in the offseason.
The price won’t be as high as Tampa Bay’s demands but it will certainly be for a package of players that is headlined by either Lewis Brinson or Luis Ortiz.
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The Aces: Chris Sale and Sonny Gray
Keep dreaming. These guys are for sale but they are demanding a Chris Archer-type return. At the moment of this writing, Chris Sale appears to have willing trade partners out west. By post time, he may already be gone. The point is, The top-end talent is priced far above what the Rangers are willing to pay.
Starting Pitcher, Edinson Volquez
If the price is right, this may be the player most attainable for the Texas Rangers. Volquez, a former Ranger, is in the last year of his 2-year deal and would be a lower cost rental player who should figure into the playoff rotation.
If the Rangers can find a way to get him without including Gallo or Profar, they’d make the move in a heartbeat, but right now it appears the price is high.
The Eleventh Hour
It’s a sellers’ market right now and the prices at the deadline are through the roof. If the Rangers act now, they will be paying a premium price. If they wait until the 11th hour, they will likely gain control as the sellers urgency picks up.
Since Jon Daniels is extremely secure in his Rangers role, he’s not under the gun like many of the GMs who are in “sell mode”. Waiting until the last minute may not allow the Rangers to get their top target(s) but it will allow them to upgrade without giving up as much in return.
Expect a couple modest moves by the Rangers. If the price comes down in Tampa, they may be able get a #3 starter for their stretch run. If they can add a couple lesser-regarded (but fresh) bullpen arms, they could walk away from the deadline with new life AND keep Gallo and Profar.
Next: Should the Rangers Hold Fast or Act Big?
What are the Texas Rangers going to do? My guess is bargain hunt. And don’t be surprised if nothing happens until the 11th hour.