Texas Rangers’ Trade Deadline Strategy
Introduction to the Trade Deadline
The Texas Rangers tripled down before Thursday’s trade deadline, reinforced their league-best pitching staff with three veteran arms and pushed their chips in toward a postseason chase alongside the American League West’s two major contenders.
They did not, however, address the position group that’s caused more headaches, firings, hirings, demotions, promotions and tweaks than any other has this season.
Offseason Moves and Expectations
The Rangers did not acquire an offensive player, nor were they linked to one in any meaningful way, before the 5 p.m. CT trade deadline that was largely fueled by the leaguewide exchange of high-leverage relievers. They instead chose to strengthen an existing strength and proceed forward with a lineup that has begun to lift itself out of the statistical cellar that it dwelled in for the first third of the regular season.
Their in-house confidence explains why.
Rangers
Confidence in the Hitting Group
“We believe in our hitting group tremendously,” Rangers president of baseball operations Chris Young said Thursday night. “That was a big factor in our focus this deadline.”
Young acknowledged that the team did not initially prioritize bullpen and rotation upgrades over offensive additions “at the outset,” but as they proceeded through trade season, the club recognized that doubling down on its pitching strengths represented an area to significantly enhance the roster.
Internal Improvements and Sustainability
Their own offensive improvements — and the internal belief that it can be sustained — played as equally large of a role in the front office’s decision to stand pat on bats. The Rangers were one of baseball’s worst offenses through the season’s first two months but have scored the fourth-most runs in baseball since June 1 despite their below-league-average .723 OPS in that span.
The Rangers averaged 3.3 runs in their first 56 games. They’ve averaged 5.1 runs in their last 50 games. Concerns remain, like their league-worst batting average vs. fastballs since the start of June and continuous struggles against left-handed pitchers, but the climb from ineffective to average in the last two months represented significant improvements. A third catcher or a right-handed bat that can handle southpaws both made theoretical sense as potential external additions.
Future Expectations and Internal Reinforcements
“I’m happy with what we’ve seen,” Young said, “and now it’s about continuing that.”
That, Young believes, can be partly fueled by internal reinforcements. He conceded that designated hitter Joc Pederson — who is 0 for 9 since he returned from a broken hand and owns a .122/.253/.474 slash line this season — is “not in midseason form” but remained confident that the 33-year-old will rediscover his swing. First baseman Jake Burger, whose .660 OPS is more than 100 points below his career average, is expected to return soon from a quad strain. Third baseman Josh Jung has recorded a hit in nine consecutive games since he returned from a performance-induced minor league assignment.
“We have immense confidence in our guys and our position player core,” Young said. “I’ve said this going back to last offseason: the best upgrades that we can have on our team is just the standard performance from our 13 position players.”
Conclusion
Their offensive inaction Thursday validated that.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Q: What was the Rangers’ strategy at the trade deadline?
A: The Rangers chose to strengthen their existing pitching strength by acquiring three veteran arms, rather than addressing their offense.
Q: Why did the Rangers not acquire an offensive player?
A: The Rangers have confidence in their hitting group and believe that internal improvements and sustainability will be enough to support their postseason chase.
Q: What are the concerns remaining for the Rangers’ offense?
A: The Rangers still struggle with batting average vs. fastballs and against left-handed pitchers, but they have shown significant improvement in the last two months.
Q: What internal reinforcements can the Rangers expect?
A: The Rangers are expecting the return of first baseman Jake Burger from a quad strain, and designated hitter Joc Pederson is expected to rediscover his swing. Third baseman Josh Jung has also shown promise since his return from a minor league assignment.
