{"id":126536,"date":"2026-07-24T01:50:03","date_gmt":"2026-07-24T05:50:03","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/?p=126536"},"modified":"2026-07-24T02:00:59","modified_gmt":"2026-07-24T06:00:59","slug":"rangers-trade-deadline","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/lastwordonsports.com\/baseball\/2026\/07\/24\/rangers-trade-deadline\/","title":{"rendered":"Injuries Could Force Rangers’ Hand at Trade Deadline"},"content":{"rendered":"

In a development that could change the Texas Rangers’ trade deadline strategy in the next 13 days, the team announced that starting catcher Kyle Higashioka<\/a> would be headed to the 10-day injured list<\/a> after feeling some discomfort in his elbow after their game on Sunday against the Braves. Higashioka, who had Tommy John surgery in 2013, would later be diagnosed with a flexor-pronator strain.<\/p>\n

Higashioka is now the second Rangers catcher to join the IL after Danny Jansen<\/a> went down earlier in June with a right forearm strain<\/a>. Jansen later experienced setbacks during his rehab process, which ultimately left his return timetable up in the air. With the injury to Jansen, the Rangers signed veteran Elias D\u00edaz<\/a> to a one-year, $780,000 major league contract.<\/p>\n

<\/smartframe-embed><\/p>\n

The Rangers also promoted 35-year-old Austin Wynns<\/a> from their Triple-A affiliate, the Round Rock Express, to fill in for the absence of Higashioka. However, to this point in the season, both Jansen and Higashioka have been less than impressive, despite being the projected starters coming into the season<\/a>. Higashioka ranks 38th in offensive WAR for catchers (min. 50 PA’s) with a 0.3 WAR, while Jansen ranks 65th, with a -0.3 WAR. D\u00edaz ranks 35th, with a 0.4 WAR.<\/p>\n

Somehow Winning, Despite the Offensive Struggles<\/h2>\n

With the Rangers ranking as an average offensive team in terms of hits, home runs, OBP, slugging, and OPS, there is one statistic they fall way below the league average in: RBI. For context, the trio of Higashioka, Jansen, and D\u00edaz have combined for 46 RBI so far. Nine catchers, including three on the trade deadline candidates list from ESPN’s Jeff Passan<\/a>, have the same (or more) amount of RBI this season. Could adding one of those players hurt? Potentially. Statistically speaking, though, it would be very unlikely.<\/p>\n

As it stands, the Rangers are 51-51 and in first place in the AL West, sitting just half a game ahead of the Seattle Mariners and two games ahead of the Houston Astros. According to Yahoo Sports, the Mariners will be buyers at the deadline<\/a>; the Astros may be as well. However, it’s still to be determined what direction the Astros end up going when all is said and done, as they may ultimately be deadline sellers<\/a>.<\/p>\n

Rangers’ Trade Deadline Strategy Could Change with Injuries<\/h2>\n

If the Rangers would like to compete for another divisional title, adding a dependable bat should be at the top of their priority list. Trading for a catcher could do just that, and then some. As mentioned earlier, Jeff Passan created a Top 100 list of candidates to (potentially) be traded before the deadline, which included the names of seven catchers who may be targets for teams.<\/p>\n

Best Case Scenario: Adley Rutschman (Baltimore Orioles)<\/h3>\n

Not only is Adley Rutschman<\/a> a great hitter, but he’s also one of the league’s best defensive catchers. So far this season, Rutschman is slashing .251\/.331\/.433 with eight home runs and 47 RBI. This addition would be an immediate upgrade on both sides of the plate. In the event of a Rutschman trade<\/a>, the Orioles would most likely request some level of pitching help in return, and the Rangers could afford to give up a backend starter like Kumar Rocker<\/a> or one or more prospects, depending on what their front office preferred.<\/p>\n

\n

The Orioles are certainly listening to offers for Adley Rutschman, per @JeffPassan<\/a><\/p>\n

(https:\/\/t.co\/dfbnMWZ30j<\/a>) pic.twitter.com\/ohnmGVgMNl<\/a><\/p>\n

\u2014 Punchoutpitch (@Punchoutpitch) July 21, 2026<\/a><\/p><\/blockquote>\n