Texas Rangers’ Top 5 Trade Assets
5 Possible Trade Assets for Texas Rangers
With the MLB All-Star game less than a week away, teams are currently evaluating where they stand in relation to other clubs. The trade deadline is coming up, and this is where general managers must realistically decide if their team has a legitimate shot at making the playoffs. Then the determination is made on whether or not they team should be a “buyer” or a “seller” before the trade deadline.
One of those teams, the Texas Rangers, is in a favorable position to try and make another run at a World Series berth. The Rangers are currently battling with the Oakland Athletics for the top spot in the American League West.
Obviously the Rangers need to add some pieces to their lineup to have a chance at making the playoffs again. Manager Ron Washington has done a good job so far this season as he has had to deal with injuries to key players. Matt Harrison and Colby Lewis, who were solid starters a year ago, have both been out with injuries during the first half of the season. Add to that the injury to Neftali Feliz and the pitching rotation has been patch-worked nicely.
Currently the Rangers are third in the American League in ERA with a 3.69 thanks in part to the great bullpen work that has been done. Most people would agree that if the Rangers are going to make a serious run at the playoffs, they are going to have to pick up another pitcher from somewhere. There are a lot of different names floating around, but what will the asking price be? Here is a list of the top five assets the Rangers have to try and get a pitcher to help bolster their roster.
Martin Perez - Pitcher
Baseball America ranked Martin Perez #17 in their top 100 in 2010. Perez is a hard throwing left-handed pitcher. He is a great prospect to try and deal when hoping to get a veteran player in return.
Tanner Scheppers - Pitcher
Another young pitcher in the Rangers organization, Scheppers has emerged as a quality bullpen guy. Pitching in 43 games this season, he has an ERA of 1.84 and a 5-1 record. It would be tough to lose the bullpen help, but in order to get quality you must sacrifice some as well.
Elvis Andrus - Shortstop
The Texas Rangers acquired Elvis Andrus from the Atlanta Braves via a trade that sent Mark Teixeira to Atlanta. Andrus has proven through speed and defense that he was worth the price paid. Before this season, Andrus did sign an eight year, $120 million extension, so it would be hard to move him. However, we’ve learned from the past where there is a will, there is a way.
Jurickson Profar - Shortstop
In his first Major League at bat, Profar hit a home run off of Zach McAllister. This was just a sign of things the Rangers expect from the youngster. As good as Andrus is at shortstop, Profar is said to be even better. It’s hard to imagine both Andrus and Profar being on the same team unless one is willing to move to second base, but then there is the Ian Kinsler factor. If a team calls with the right pitcher available, Profar might be exactly what is needed to lure him to the Rangers.
Mike Olt - Third Baseman
The Rangers have another young prospect that everyone in the organization is raving about – Mike Olt. Olt is a third baseman, but that’s Adrian Beltre’s position. Because of this, the Rangers had him try out first base and now he’s playing the outfield. There could be a team, though, that needs a third baseman to help fill in the gaps and Olt could be their guy. Hopefully they have a pitcher in return for the Rangers.
