The Rangers must make three early-season moves.
There is only one thing harder in Major League Baseball than winning a World Series: winning another one. The feared championship hangover is a real phenomena in this sport, known for its arduous regular seasons, and the Texas Rangers are the latest team attempting to shake it off in search of a repeat victory, which has not been accomplished since the New York Yankees in 2000.
At 21-16, with a slim lead over the Seattle Mariners atop the AL West division, the Rangers have at least managed to escape a massive early season swoon, but it’s evident some of their key players are still feeling the impacts of playing into early
The good news is that, as a proven championship team, the Rangers will have plenty of trade market suitors wanting to sell their expiring assets. If Texas makes some wise signings to shore up the weakest elements of its squad, it will have a far greater chance of breaking the defending champion’s curse. In an ideal world, these three changes would bring the Rangers much closer to where they need to be.
Purchase White Sox DH Eloy Jiménez
In the last 48 hours, the public has come to anticipate the Chicago White Sox to sell any and all valuable players who are not tied to contracts that extend beyond the next two seasons. Eloy Jiménez, a designated hitter with expensive club options for 2025 and 2026 but who could become a free agent at the end of this season, is a prime trade candidate with several teams vying for his services due to the power potential he brings on a flexible contract.
Acquire Athletics RP Austin Adams.
Many have been surprised by the effectiveness of the Oakland Athletics’ bullpen as a whole this season, and with the A’s more than certain to sell before the deadline, the team’s relievers will be in great demand. Although nothing may surprise the Oakland front management, moving burgeoning superstar Mason Miller and even setup man Lucas Erceg would be borderline malpractice given that both have half a decade of team control remaining. However, Austin Adams is an excellent choice for a variety of suitors.
Acquire Rockies C Elias Díaz
If there is another need to fill in the Rangers’ lineup outside the DH position, it is backup catcher, where free agency addition Andrew Knizner has a.344 OPS and -0.4 bWAR in just 14 games. Though 2023 All-Star Jonah Heim will remain the full-time starter, it is critical to have a solid backup for the duration of the regular season, ideally someone who can factor in as a lineup option in the playoffs. Elias Díaz checks all the boxes with authority.
