With Evan Carter still injured, the Texas Rangers must make this last-second deal before the 2024 MLB trade deadline.
One Final Trade Rangers Need To Make
Latest Moves
The Rangers made a number of roster moves on Monday. Infielder Josh Jung and pitcher Cody Bradford were both activated from the injured list, per Texas Rangers PR. Starting pitcher Jon Gray was placed on the 15-day IL. Additionally, outfielder Evan Carter was transferred to the 60-day IL following his latest setback.
Rangers transactions for Monday: pic.twitter.com/g6c42uOYP8
— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) July 29, 2024
However, Texas has been fairly quiet from a trade standpoint. They traded starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen to the Kansas City Royals on Monday and acquired catcher Carson Kelly from the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. With Carter continuing to battle a back injury, the Rangers should consider making one final trade to acquire outfield help.
Rangers Should Trade For This Cubs Outfielder
The Rangers want to make a playoff run in 2024. They have endured an up-and-down season. However, acquiring a left-handed hitting outfielder with defensive expertise would not be a bad idea.
The Chicago Cubs announced on Monday night that Cody Bellinger was reinstated from the 10-day injured list. Teams have until 6 PM EST on Tuesday to make trades. The Rangers may be able to buy low on Bellinger since he’s fresh off an injury.
The #Cubs today reinstated OF Cody Bellinger from the 10-day injured list. pic.twitter.com/S3xhXtao0N
— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2024
Chicago may not even be open to dealing Bellinger away. With that being said, the Cubs are expected to sell, and Bellinger has an opt-out in his contract after the season. The Cubs will not want to risk losing Bellinger in free agency without receiving anything in return.
Bellinger, 29, has slashed .269/.331/.410/.742 across 79 games played in 2024. Although he has failed to replicate his impressive 2023 results, Bellinger’s ceiling still makes him an enticing trade candidate for the Rangers.
Rangers’ Outfield Has Underperformed In 2024
Texas’s outfield has not played up to their expectations in 2024. Rookie Wyatt Langford will be a star someday. He is still developing, though. Veterans Leody Taveras and Robbie Grossman have not produced much offensive value. Adolis Garcia offers power, but he’s hitting just .212 with a .277 OBP.
In other words, the Rangers need an outfield upgrade. Bellinger has not enjoyed his best season at the plate. Perhaps a fresh start in Texas would help him find his footing.
The Rangers will need to act fast with the trade deadline quickly approaching. In the past, teams have made some of their most notable moves on the final day of the deadline.
Main Photo Credits: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports
