The MLB trade deadline is August 3rd, and the Texas Rangers made a move that will hopefully help out their depth.
Per Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Rangers are acquiring right-handed reliever Chase Silseth and catcher Logan O’Hoppe from the Los Angeles Angels. Pitcher and catcher were definitely in positions of need for the Rangers. It's not going to be the most attractive additions, but it's something the Rangers can do some damage with.
In return, the Angels got minor leaguer Angel Arredondo. From the early look, it feels like this is a low-cost, high-reward for the Rangers, and they didn't have to get rid of anybody like Joc Pederson or Evan Carter.
Rangers get RHP Chase Silseth and C Logan O'Hoppe in a trade from the Angels
To cool things down a bit, O'Hoppe has struggled this season with a .209/.271/.295 batting line and four home runs in 75 games. He had 19 and 20 home runs in previous years, but some of the guys who have struggled before have been traded to see their best baseball.
Rangers fans from a while ago remember Chris Davis, who would strike out consistently, but when he got traded to the Baltimore Orioles, he became a two-time Home Run leader. That's not a replica of what's going to happen, but O'Hoppe is still a young guy.
Silseth may be the better of the two guys right now. The right-handed reliever has posted a 2.72 ERA in 47 appearances with 48 strikeouts in nearly 40 innings. (h/t Theo DeRosa). Pitching and defense have been inconsistent at times, but then again, so have the bats.
The AL West is still tight, and the Rangers did do their job against the Seattle Mariners, who are still breathing down the Rangers' neck, but they need something to widen the gap now that the Houston Astros are making up some ground.
With Corey Seager doing minor league rehab work, it looks like he's set to return soon. Hopefully, when the Rangers' leader returns to the lineup, they can start to play more consistent baseball. He's also got to answer for one of the worst slumps of his career, but maybe he needs some time to get back on his feet. He's also been injured, which can explain why he was in such a battle.
Fans should look forward to this trade. It's a low-cost reward to maybe, just maybe, move the needle in a weak division.
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