Who Should the Texas Rangers Look to Trade?

Over the past week, the Texas Rangers have rapidly fallen behind in the wild card race. As a result of the Rangers struggles, the questions about whether or not the team should sell at the deadline has reared its ugly head back into discussions.

IF the Texas Rangers continue this losing skid, and continue to fall into a larger hole in the Wild Card race, they should begin to get ready to make some moves that are going to hurt the team in the short run, but probably help them significantly in the long run, by looking to trade these players…

Mike Minor

Minor is currently second in all of baseball in WAR, only trailing Cody Bellinger, and has been a terrific surprise not only to the Texas Rangers fan base, but to the entire MLB. Minor is a super valuable asset, given the great season that he is having, combined with his reasonable contract that would keep him under club control for the 2020 season, as well.

If the Rangers decide to become sellers as the deadline approaches, Minor’s name would be the Rangers top trade candidate. With the Rangers announcing that Minor will not pitch in Sunday’s game against the Twins, it could mean that a deal may be in the works over the All-Star break, or that they are just giving him a break. It is now the point of the season where big trades can happen anytime between now and when time runs out on the trade deadline.

With so many teams competing for the playoffs, it is a seller’s market this season, which would only drive up the Rangers asking price if they decide to move Minor. Right now, the Rangers can demand at least two top-100 prospects, and could probably get even more than that from some teams that are desperate for pitching help.

Possible Destinations: Houston Astros, Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox, New York Yankees

Shawn Kelley

Kelley was a terrific, stealth signing for the Texas Rangers during the off-season, on a two-year, $5 million deal, and he has dazzled so far with an ERA safely below three, as the Rangers closer.

Given that teams can never have enough bullpen help for the playoffs, the offers for Kelley should start pouring in as the deadline approaches, and the Rangers should be able to net themselves a pretty good prospect or two for him, especially given the extra year of club control that he has.

Possible Destinations: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs, Philadelphia Phillies, Atlanta Braves

Jesse Chavez

After a horrible start to the season, Chavez managed to right the ship, and after his game against Minnesota, should have an ERA at 3.30. He’s not a pretty pitcher to watch, but he usually does his job, and could be valuable to a team that needs some bullpen help and veteran experience.

A possible problem with moving Chavez could be that he is 35, and is in his first season of a two-year, $8 million deal, so his contract for next season could possibly pose a problem in trade discussions.

Possible Destinations: Boston Red Sox, Chicago Cubs (again), Atlanta Braves

Lance Lynn

Lynn has been another pleasant surprise this season, and probably should be an All-Star, but has been snubbed so far. Lynn has posted a 3.91 ERA thus far, and has been a workhorse for the Rangers, similar to Colby Lewis when he was with the team. He is signed through 2021, so teams would have him under control for a few years. A possible problem is that he will be 34 at the end of his contract.

Possible Destinations: Boston Red Sox, Milwaukee Brewers, Houston Astros