The Texas Rangers should look to upgrade their pitching for the future ahead of the upcoming 2024 MLB trade deadline.
Rangers MLB Trade Deadline Outlook
The Rangers are set to enter the MLB trade deadline in a difficult position. As things stand now, Texas is well out of the playoff race. However, their standings position could drastically change during the month of July. Additionally, the Rangers clearly have what it takes to compete since they won the World Series in 2023.
Injuries have impacted the team in 2024. One has to imagine they will play at a more consistent level once they begin to get healthy. Nevertheless, the Rangers will need to make a number of big decisions in July. Trading veterans who are going to enter free agency at the end of the season will emerge as a viable option. For example, Max Scherzer projects to be a trade candidate. That does not mean the Rangers will need to completely rebuild the roster.
In fact, acquiring young players, notably young pitchers, for the future could appeal to the ball club. Here are three pitchers the Rangers should target before the 2024 MLB trade deadline.
Garrett Crochet, White Sox
Garrett Crochet is just 25 years old but has been mentioned as a trade candidate for the rebuilding Chicago White Sox. Crochet, a left-handed pitcher, features an electric arm. He has pitched to a stellar 3.02 ERA across 18 starts during the 2024 season.
The Rangers could realistically use him as a starter or reliever. He had previously worked out of the bullpen for Chicago. The Rangers would probably opt to keep him in the rotation if they acquire him, as Crochet has pitched like a star in 2024. He currently leads the league in strikeouts with 141.
Garrett Crochet past 11 starts:
66.2 IP
94 Ks
1.48 ERA
0.84 WHIPTrade deadline is 30 days away.
— Underdog MLB (@Underdog__MLB) June 30, 2024
Either way, Crochet would be a weapon for the Rangers. He is under team control through 2026, according to Spotrac. The Rangers would need to surrender a number of high-profile prospects in a trade, but Crochet is worth it.
Michael Kopech, White Sox
Another Rangers-White Sox trade that makes sense would center around right-handed pitcher Michael Kopech. Kopech, 28, has endured a down 2024 season. Still, he has a high ceiling and has both starting and relief experience. In 2024 he has worked out of the bullpen, but an argument can be made that Kopech should be a starter.
Kopech is under team control through 2025 but the Rangers could discuss an extension with him if a trade comes to fruition. A change of scenery will surely benefit the righty.
Mason Miller, Athletics
Mason Miller is in his second MLB season and has already established himself as a star closer. The 25-year-old has 14 saves and a 1.96 ERA. So why would the A’s consider trading a young star with multiple years of team control remaining?
The Athletics are in the middle of a rebuild. Oakland isn’t close to contending and building around a closer may not be the best idea. Trading Miller in 2024 would provide the Athletics with an opportunity to cash in on his immense value.
Acquiring Miller would cost the Rangers a significant amount of prospect capital. Jose Leclerc has struggled, however. Even if Leclerc bounces back, having two reliable pitchers in the back of the bullpen is never a bad idea.
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