The Texas Rangers are coming off the best season in franchise history after winning the 2023 World Series, but a rough start to the 2024 season could result in the team becoming one of the biggest sellers in the MLB at the trade deadline.
Texas has started the season just 43-48 and dug itself into a hole leading into the All-Star weekend. Injuries and slumps have prevented the team from gaining momentum in the standings.
The Rangers currently trail both the Seattle Mariners and the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West division and are seven games behind the Boston Red Sox for the final Wild Card spot.
This slow start has prompted general managers across the MLB to consider whether the Rangers will be sellers before the July 30 trade deadline in an attempt to clear certain contracts from the team.
Rival general managers reportedly believe the Rangers will look to make trades unless the team undergoes a “dramatic turnaround” within the next few weeks, according to USA Today.
Multiple players are expected to be available before the deadline, with the team seemingly being open to trading a variety of pitchers to acquire assets before next season.
Starting pitchers Michael Lorenzen and Andrew Heaney, along with relievers José Ureña, David Robertson, and Kirby Yates, who was recently announced as an MLB All-Star, are all on expiring contracts and could be viewed as trade pieces by opposing teams, according to The Athletic.
Also included in potential trade talks is soon-to-be 40-year-old starting pitcher Max Scherzer, who recently made his season debut but would have to waive his no-trade clause for the third time in four years to be sent to another team, per USA Today.
Although the Rangers are expected to offload certain players prior to the trade deadline, one extended winning streak could thrust the team back into playoff contention and quickly change those plans.
Texas is currently on a four-game winning streak after sweeping the Tampa Bay Rays in a three-game series and winning the first of three games against the Los Angeles Angels.
The Rangers have 16 games remaining before the trade deadline, meaning the team could begin to make up ground in the race for the AL West division and the final wild-card playoff spot.
Rangers general manager Chris Young has not ruled out the possibility of an extended winning streak for the team, saying that he believes this team can get back to its winning ways.
“I believe they are capable of a run. We just have to put ourselves in a better position so that nothing is insurmountable. This team had a 40-20 run last year. It’s in there,” he said, according to The Dallas Morning News.
Included in these 16 games is one three-game series against the Astros, running from Friday to Sunday.
Sweeping the Astros in this series, which will be difficult due to how well Houston has been performing in recent weeks, would significantly boost the Rangers’ playoff hopes.
While the possibility for a season turnaround is still on the board, Rangers fans should be prepared for the franchise to take the team in any combination of directions before the upcoming deadline.