Trade Deadline Preview: Texas Rangers

Jun 25, 2014; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers first baseman Carlos Pena (21) grounds out to first base in the second inning against the Detroit Tigers at Globe Life Park in Arlington. Mandatory Credit: Tim Heitman-USA TODAY Sports

Needs to be addressed:

1. First base

This team has already lost two first basemen this season and now are employing Carlos Pena at the position. While Pena can still hit a few home runs, he hasn’t held a batting average above .227 since the 2008 season. He simply isn’t the first baseman for a winning team at this point in his career.

2. Bench help

Of the players currently on the Rangers’ bench, none at hitting better than .217 (that being Dan Robertson in all of 49 PA). Michael Choice is the only one that provides any power, with 8 HR to go along with his .180/.252/.328 line in 210 PA. With the way that the Rangers’ season has gone, another injury to a player in their starting lineup and there doesn’t appear to be anyone internal who could step in.

3. Top shelf prospects

With the season seemingly slipping away, it’s time for Texas to start looking towards the future. The team has graduated a handful of their prospects, while others have failed to produce. Beyond Joey Gallo and Jorge Alfaro there is limited depth within the organization that could make a true difference in the next year or two. Restocking that talent could be a key to getting the Rangers back on top of the AL West.