Texas Rangers are looking to get over the hump in their playoff push
The Texas Rangers have surged through July, pushing themselves firmly into the American League playoff race as the trade deadline looms. Now 56–52 on the season, they sit just one game out of the Wild Card and trail the Houston Astros by five games in the AL West.
With the MLB trade deadline fast approaching, Texas is expected to be aggressive. The bullpen is clearly their biggest priority. Despite owning a 3.25 bullpen ERA (second-best in MLB behind the Padres), the Rangers have converted just 27 of 45 save opportunities. That inconsistency late in games is a glaring issue for a team with postseason aspirations.
According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, a potential fix could come in the form of a monster deal with the St. Louis Cardinals. Reuter predicts Texas will target top-tier Cardinals relievers Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton to solidify their late-inning staff.
*** UPDATE ~ The Rangers did indeed get one of these two relievers ***
Could the Rangers trade for both Helsley and Maton?
“Helsley (36 G, 21 SV, 3.00 ERA, 10.3 K/9) and Maton (40 G, 20 HLD, 2.35 ERA, 11.3 K/9) would join Robert Garcia, Shawn Armstrong and Hoby Milner to give the Rangers a formidable late-inning contingent,” Reuter wrote.
Both Helsley and Maton have been bright spots in an otherwise uneven Cardinals season. With St. Louis slipping back to .500 and poised to sell, they’ve reportedly set a high price for their bullpen duo. Understandably so. Helsley, a hard-throwing closer, has 21 saves and elite strikeout stuff. Maton has been quietly dominant in setup duty.
The Rangers have the prospects to sweeten the pot. Texas has a solid farm system and clear postseason ambitions. Are they willing to part with top, young talent to strengthen the bullpen for the stretch run.
As the Cardinals shift toward selling and the Rangers continue to surge, all signs point to a possible match. The question now is whether Texas is ready to pay the price for premium arms, over and above what other teams are willing to pay. Say, Cleveland who just lost their closer to a gambling suspension. Or maybe the Seattle Mariners?
