The Texas Rangers are in first place in the American League West division with a 55-52 record and two game lead on the Houston Astros. They also have a 2.5 game lead on the Seattle Mariners.
As a result, president of baseball operations Chris Young should be looking to buy at the August 3 MLB trade deadline, which is now just five days away.
The Rangers won the World Series three years ago in 2023, but have not been back to the postseason since. By buying at the deadline, Young can solidify the Rangers' playoff chances this season.
However, per multiple reports, the Rangers are not in the position to take on money at the deadline this year. So, whoever the Rangers add will have to be an inexpensive acquisition, which could make things tricky. They will have to get creative in trades for outside talent.
Texas could use a bullpen arm and possibly a starting pitcher as well. They could potentially use a catcher given that Danny Jansen (right forearm strain) and Kyle Higashioka (right flexor strain) are currently on the 10-day IL.
Among the teams that the Rangers have had scouts on include the following organizations (both MLB teams and minor league systems): Los Angeles Dodgers, Chicago Cubs, Arizona Diamondbacks and Atlanta Braves.
These teams are all buyers, but could trade from their major league rosters, too. They also have young, controllable pieces that could be moved.
As reported by Athlon Sports, the Dodgers are open to trading left-handed starter Eric Lauer and outfielder Alex Call. Lauer (3.35 ERA as a Dodger) would fit in the backend of the Rangers' starting rotation. Lauer is owed $1.32 million past the deadline.
The New York Mets have two relatively inexpensive players that could interest the Rangers: reliever Huascar Brazoban ($1.05 million in 2026, three more years of arbitration) and catcher Ben Rortvedt ($1.25 million in 2026), who has spent the entire season in Triple-A, are both affordable options for Texas.
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Young and company will have to get creative if they're going to fill all of their roster needs at the deadline. It would not be wise to stand pat if they want to make the postseason in 2026.
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