Texas Rangers: Trade Martin Perez (does it matter what Perez wants)?

The Texas Rangers have some decisions to make. Perpetually stuck on the wrong side of .500, the Rangers have to decide whether or not to be buyers or sellers at the deadline. They need to decide if their most tradeable asset, Martin Perez, is on the market.

Perez, arguably the most valuable trade piece in MLB this year, is having a career season in Texas. His 1.96 ERA places him second in the AL and his 1.134 WHIP is by far the best of his career. Teams will be lining up to offer prospects for Perez and the Texas Rangers could be benefited enormously if they take them up on those offers

Should Martin Perez’s wishes be a factor for the Texas Rangers at the trade deadline?

Perez was recently approached about said trade value and didn’t hesitate to offer up his opinion on the matter.

"“I want to be here and stay here, 100 percent,” Perez said. “No, make that 300 percent. I’ve been in two other places and nowhere have I felt as good as I feel here.”"

The 31-year-old pitcher began his career in Texas back in 2012. After years of flirting with success, Perez was constantly plagued by mental roadblocks and here we go agains. In 2019 the Texas Rangers finally pulled the plug and ended the Perez era in Texas. But needing affordable starters for the 2022 season, they turned back to that familiar face and it’s paid off for all parties involved.

Three years outside of Texas did the left-hander some good. Perez has never felt more comfortable and never been more confident than he does right now. That’s likely the main reason he doesn’t want to rock the boat with a mid-season trade. Going to a contender is an attractive proposition but not at the cost of messing up his career season.

That’s what makes this situation so tricky for the Texas Rangers.

Perez says he wants to stay in Texas long-term and frankly, that’s perfectly believable. Texas is comfortable for him and if all other things are equal, I’m sure he’d prefer to stay here long-term.

But long-term is not his concern right now. Maintaining his current success is, and the best way to do that is by NOT rocking the boat. This is an excellent opportunity to bank one last mega-contract and Martin Perez is well aware of that fact.

Does this mean he’s going to re-sign with the Texas Rangers? If they offer him the best contract, sure, but I wouldn’t expect him to take a home team discount. Money has a way of winning in life and since this is likely to be Perez’s last chance at a big contract, I don’t expect him to turn up his nose at a better offer just to stay where he’s most comfortable.

The Texas Rangers have to keep this in mind. If they don’t trade him, he could very well leave them for nothing in return this winter. If they trade him they are guaranteed to get some big pieces back to aid in the rebuild. Plus they could still get him back in free agency.

Even if he’s traded, if Martin Perez really does like playing in Texas, then he’d be open to idea of coming back this winter after the season. Perez is saying what we expect him to say – he doesn’t want to be traded. But the Rangers need to do what’s best for the club because you can bet Perez is going to do what’s best for himself.

• Published on 06/27/2022 at 16:01 PM
• Last updated at 06/27/2022 at 12:46 PM