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Top Ten Texas Rangers Moments of the Decade

By Cody Smith

ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Michael Young, former Texas Rangers player, waves after finishing his remarks at a ceremony to retire his number before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TEXAS - AUGUST 31: Michael Young, former Texas Rangers player, waves after finishing his remarks at a ceremony to retire his number before the game against the Seattle Mariners at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 31, 2019 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Richard Rodriguez/Getty Images) /
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KANSAS CITY, MO – JUNE 19: Cole Hamels #35 of the Texas Rangers throws in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium on June 19, 2018 in Kansas City, Missouri. (Photo by Ed Zurga/Getty Images) /

#10-Acquiring Cole Hamels (2015)

On July 31, 2015, the Texas Rangers decided to make a huge splash, as they finally acquired Cole Hamels from the Philadelphia Phillies after long being linked to wanting to trade for him via rumors.

At the time of the trade deadline, the Rangers sat at 49-52, needing a spark in order to challenge the Houston Astros for the division, and the acquisition of Hamels was just that. The Rangers caught fire to end the season, as they finished the year 39-22, which led them past the Astros to their first AL West title since 2011, and their first of two consecutive seasons.

Although Hamels and Diekman are no longer with Texas, the six players that the Rangers gave up to acquire Cole Hamels and Jake Diekman have combined for a WAR of 6.4 in their (mostly) young careers, while Hamels and Diekman combined for a WAR of 13.7 during their time with the Rangers before being traded.

Overall, it was a fantastic trade that the Texas Rangers made that led them to winning two more division titles, and having one of the best teams in baseball during that stretch. Unfortunately for the Texas Rangers, Hamels was never able to take the team to the promised land, as the team got very close in 2015, before falling apart late in Game 5 of the ALDS to the Toronto Blue Jays.

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