Texas Rangers: How should they act with the trade market?

Should the Rangers elect to buy?

If Texas is to buy, it will be at the expense of their major league roster. The farm has dried up as a result of yearly blockbuster deals they’ve executed. First, the Cole Hamels deal, and then the Jonathan Lucroy deal to follow. They will protect the farm talent that remains.

Speaking of Jonathan Lucroy, the Ranger catcher is the most probable trade chip if a deal is to take place. As reported by Fox Sports’ Ken Rosenthal, Texas is open to offers for Lucroy. Lucroy has been far from inspiring this season. He is slashing .259/.306/.366 with four home runs and 22 RBI. He has experienced a significant power outage in 2017, as he knocked a career high 24 home runs just a season ago. Additionally, Lucroy’s .366 slugging percentage marks his lowest since his rookie season. The Rangers loved his leadership skills, yet, their most sought after attribute in Lucroy’s game was his bat. The bat has not been a factor for Jonathan Lucroy thus far in 2017.

Teams that could be interested in Lucroy include the Red Sox, Angels, Diamondbacks, and Rockies. The Red Sox have young catching talent which they will likely want to see through, and the Rangers may not want to trade Lucroy within the division to the Angels. However, the contending Diamondbacks and Rockies are viable options.

Frankly, Jonathan Lucroy’s 2017 campaign may not demand the kind of return the Texas Rangers desire. The Rangers could move Lucroy for prospects (if they go the selling route) or they could move him for a starting pitcher or a couple of relievers (if they go the buying route).