The Texas Rangers and Tampa Rays have reportedly engaged in eye-opening trade talks as the 2024 deadline draws near.
The Rangers are planning to buy ahead of the MLB trade deadline. There were questions about the team’s potential strategy earlier in July, but the Rangers have performed well in recent action. Texas will have a number of possible trade candidates to pursue ahead of the deadline. According to Buster Olney of ESPN, they are particularly interested in two Rays players.
Count the Rangers among the teams that have had discussions with the Rays about All-Star Isaac Paredes, as well as Yandy Diaz. Texas is looking for an upgrade to its offense, in a year in which Josh Jung and Evan Carter has been out for months.
— Buster Olney (@Buster_ESPN) July 26, 2024
Rangers, Rays Have Had Trade Conversations
Olney reports that the Rangers and Rays have “had discussions” about infielders Isaac Paredes and Yandy Díaz. Paredes was selected to his first All-Star Game this season, while Díaz was an All-Star in 2023. Both players would significantly impact the Rangers. Olney even mentioned that the Rangers want to add offensive reinforcements with players such as Josh Jung and Evan Carter missing time due to injuries.
It isn’t clear if Texas will be able to acquire both players in a deal. At the very least, the Rangers have trade interest in Paredes and Díaz. It should be noted that Paredes is only 25 years old. Meanwhile, Díaz is 32. Díaz, though, features a proven track record.
Tampa Bay is seemingly heading toward a complete rebuild. The Rays recently traded Randy Arozarena to the Seattle Mariners and Zach Eflin to the Baltimore Orioles. Díaz and Paredes would net Tampa Bay more prospect capital as the team hits the reset button.
Is Texas Going All In?
The Rangers are planning to buy. One has to wonder how aggressive the team will be, however. The Rangers are currently just 2 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros for first place in the American League West. Adding impact bats to bolster the lineup would prove to be crucial as Texas looks to win the division.
It would not be surprising to see the Rangers make multiple notable trades before the deadline.
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