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MLB Trade Deadline: AL West roundup with Rangers, Angels, Astros wishlist, A’s and Mariners for sale

By Beau Adams

DENVER, CO - JULY 29: Brent Rooker #25 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates after hitting a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images)
DENVER, CO - JULY 29: Brent Rooker #25 of the Oakland Athletics celebrates after hitting a sacrifice fly in the sixth inning against the Colorado Rockies at Coors Field on July 29, 2023 in Denver, Colorado. (Photo by Dustin Bradford/Getty Images) /
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Apr 19, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Martin Perez (54) warms up during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports
Apr 19, 2023; Kansas City, Missouri, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Martin Perez (54) warms up during the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Kauffman Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jay Biggerstaff-USA TODAY Sports /

Buying the AL West: Texas Rangers

The Texas Rangers are 60-45 (.571) and leading the AL West. They have secured Max Scherzer in a colossal trade, but still, there is some work to do. One potential trade target for the Texas Rangers is Teoscar Hernandez of the Seattle Mariners. Hernandez would provide a much-needed boost to the Rangers’ lineup, especially in the outfield. With the ability to play both left field and serve as a designated hitter, Hernandez could fill a void in the Rangers’ roster.

Hernandez is a right-handed power hitter, which would add another dimension to the Texas lineup. Since he is set to become a free agent after the season, the price to acquire him may not be exorbitant. This makes him an attractive trade option for the Rangers, considering their limited number of blue-chip prospects.

If a trade for Hernandez proves to be unfeasible, Corey Dickerson of the Washington Nationals could be a more realistic trade target for the Texas Rangers. Dickerson, a left-handed-hitting outfielder, would be a natural platoon partner for Robbie Grossman. This would address the Rangers’ need for a left-handed bat in the outfield.

Compared to Hernandez, Dickerson’s salary is more manageable, which could make him an appealing option for the Rangers. With the Nationals potentially looking to move him if there is interest on the trade market, the Rangers could explore a trade for Dickerson to bolster their lineup.

As a playoff-bound team leading the AL West, the Texas Rangers understand the importance of bullpen depth. Two potential trade targets to bolster their relief corps are Brad Hand and Kyle Finnegan. Hand, a veteran left-handed reliever, brings postseason experience and would come at a reasonable cost in terms of prospects.

On the other hand, Finnegan stands out as a potential right-handed reliever target. He has had an excellent season with the Washington Nationals and would add depth in front of closer Aroldis Chapman. While Finnegan may require a slightly higher prospect cost due to his arbitration years, the Rangers could view him as a valuable short-term and long-term investment.

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