The Texas Rangers are starting to consider being buyers at the trade deadline, but they have no interest in rental players.
The Texas Rangers find themselves as surprise contenders at this point in the 2019 campaign. Heading into Wednesday, the Rangers had a 35-30 record, and were in possession of the second Wild Card. With their 18-8 run over the past 26 games, the Rangers have become one of the surprises of the 2019 campaign.
Given the Rangers present record, it is understandable that they would consider becoming buyers. However, instead of looking at rental players, the Rangers want controllable starting pitching.
Sources: #Rangers have been preparing “buy” and “sell” trade deadline scenarios this year, but buying is becoming more likely, as Texas holds a playoff spot despite an inconsistent rotation. For now, Rangers are evaluating controllable starters. @MLB @MLBNetwork
— Jon Morosi (@jonmorosi) June 11, 2019
Even before this run of success, the Rangers figured to be active come the trade deadline. Mike Minor had been one of the more sought after starting pitchers, especially given his success and another year and a half under team control. Instead, Minor seems likely to remain in Texas through this season, barring a major collapse.
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Had the Rangers not been in a playoff position, the idea of adding controllable arms made sense anyway. Aside from Minor and Lance Lynn, the rotation is a major question mark both this year and going forward. Hans Crouse and Cole Winn are their top pitching prospects, but both are in the South Atlantic League, a long way from the majors.
The Rangers AAA squad is littered with minor league veterans, but few are either young or found major league success. Taylor Guerrieri was a first round pick and former top prospect, but injuries and a drug suspension hindered his career. Ariel Jurado has looked good thus far, and could be a long term piece, but there is little behind him.
Moving forward, the Rangers do have some intriguing arms. But to remain in contention, not just for this year, they need more than two or three starters they can rely upon. They need to find those pitchers that can make a difference, and will stay in Texas beyond this season. Ideally, they will be able to do that at the trade deadline.
The Texas Rangers are potentially looking to add starting pitching. They want pitchers that will stick around though, and not just a rental player.