The year is 2020, and the MLB Trade Deadline is on August 31st. Like so many other things, the Major League Baseball trade deadline is going to look a little different. A key difference is that it is happening one month later than usual. It usually occurs on July 31st. There are teams that are looking for help in their respective playoff runs, and there are teams who are already looking toward 2021. At the moment, the Texas Rangers appear to be in the latter category.
Pitching Needs
The Rangers are facing a question in the middle of their starting rotation. That question is left-hander Mike Minor. On the season, Minor has a record of 0-5 with an earned run average of 6.75. He did well in his most recent start on August 28th. It was against the Los Angeles Dodgers, and it resulted in a no-decision. He threw six shutout innings, striking out six and walking three. Despite Minor’s encouraging efforts, the Rangers need to remain practical. They could get a good arm in exchange for Minor who doesn’t quite resemble his 2019 self.
Infield Questions
Another matter that the Rangers need to address is their infield, particularly up the middle. Second Baseman Rougned Odor is not having a very productive year, thus far. Fans like him, but if you work in a Major League front office, you can’t really afford to be a fan. On the season, Odor is hitting .150 with three home runs, 10 RBI, and seven runs scored. Those really aren’t the ideal numbers that you look for out of the man who is occupying the third spot in your batting order. He was scratched from the lineup before the game against the Dodgers on Friday due to an infection in his right eye, so that could be partly to blame for his struggles in 2020. Whether the Rangers plan to keep Odor or not is a mystery, but it is at least worth thinking about if your General Manager Jon Daniels.
Gallo Rumors
Outfielder Joey Gallo has been very impressive during his first five years in the Major Leagues. He quickly became a fan favorite with his fielding skills and his home run power. This year, he is hitting .184 with seven home runs, 16 RBI and 54 runs scored. Fans never like it when one of their team’s star players is traded. There is a chance, however slim, that Gallo could see his name on sports tickers in the next couple of days. Whether the Rangers choose to go after another bat or more pitching in exchange for him remains to be seen if he’s dealt.
2021 Season
Much like seeing their favorite players get moved, fans don’t like looking toward next year. In this case, they might have to join the front office and focus on what needs the Rangers have on their list in order to have a more productive season next year. Maybe things will change when fans are allowed to fill the ballpark again. Canned crowd noise can only provide so much.
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