Introduction to the Rangers’ Trading Period
SEATTLE — Kind of like their season, the Rangers got off to a slow start in the trading period, but have come on strong. This has been an exciting time for the team and its fans, with several significant moves made in the final hours before the deadline. In this article, we will explore the details of these trades and what they mean for the Rangers’ future.
The Merrill Kelly Deal
In the final two hours before Thursday’s 5 p.m. CT deadline, the club agreed to a deal to bring Merrill Kelly to their rotation, two people with direct knowledge of the conversations told The Dallas Morning News. The deal will push the Rangers over the $241 million CBT threshold, which will trigger a 50% surcharge on the overage. This is a significant move for the team, as Kelly is a talented pitcher with a lot to offer.
The return going back to Arizona for Kelly, who has about $2.3 million remaining of his $7 million contract, is hefty: LHP Kohl Drake, their closest-to-ready minor league starter, rising prospect David Hagaman and LHP Mitch Bratt. Drake was viewed as an insurance policy in case of injury in the rotation, but the addition of Kelly makes minor league depth, at least for this year, less of a concern.
Other Trades and Acquisitions
The Rangers also acquired lefty Danny Coulombe from Minnesota for Class-A pitcher Garrett Horn. And they were still in the market for another leverage relief arm as the trading period entered its final hour. These moves demonstrate the team’s commitment to strengthening its roster and making a push for the postseason.
Kelly, 36, is 9-6 this season with a 3.22 ERA in 22 starts. Since the start of May, however, Kelly has a 2.81 ERA and a nearly 4-to-1 strikeout-to-walk rate. The Rangers are betting big on starting pitching, and Kelly is a key part of that strategy.
Impact on the Team
The move would also give the Rangers a hedge against any possible issues with the rotation as deGrom, Jack Leiter and Kumar Rocker are all carrying heavier than usual workloads. It could conceivably also push either Leiter or Rocker into the bullpen to work as a leverage arm, further buttressing the relief group. This flexibility will be important as the team navigates the remainder of the season and potentially the postseason.
The Rangers are clearly committed to making a deep run in the playoffs, and these trades are a key part of that effort. With a strong starting rotation and a solid bullpen, the team is well-positioned to compete with the best teams in the league.
Conclusion
In conclusion, the Rangers’ trading period has been a success, with several key moves made to strengthen the team’s roster. The addition of Merrill Kelly and Danny Coulombe will provide a significant boost to the starting rotation and bullpen, respectively. As the team looks to the future, these moves will be crucial in determining their success. With a strong team and a committed front office, the Rangers are poised to make a deep run in the playoffs.
Find more Rangers coverage from The Dallas Morning News here.
Rangers
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Who did the Rangers trade for Merrill Kelly?
A: The Rangers traded LHP Kohl Drake, rising prospect David Hagaman, and LHP Mitch Bratt to Arizona for Merrill Kelly.
Q: What is the significance of the $241 million CBT threshold?
A: The $241 million CBT threshold is a key milestone for the Rangers, as exceeding it will trigger a 50% surcharge on the overage. This means that the team will have to pay a significant amount of money in luxury tax.
Q: How will the addition of Merrill Kelly impact the Rangers’ rotation?
A: The addition of Merrill Kelly will provide a significant boost to the Rangers’ rotation, giving the team a strong third starter behind Jacob deGrom and Nathan Eovaldi. This will allow the team to compete with the best teams in the league and make a deep run in the playoffs.
Q: What other moves did the Rangers make during the trading period?
A: The Rangers also acquired lefty Danny Coulombe from Minnesota for Class-A pitcher Garrett Horn. They were still in the market for another leverage relief arm as the trading period entered its final hour.
