JUST IN : Rangers Eye Bullpen Arm and Right-Handed Bat with Just $60Million to Spend Under Luxury Tax

Rangers Targeting Bullpen Help and Right-Handed Bat Ahead of Trade Deadline

Momentum is building in Texas. The Rangers have caught fire recently, winning five straight games and 14 of their last 20, putting them just half a game out of a Wild Card spot. According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rangers’ front office is leaning more toward being buyers than sellers at the upcoming trade deadline. If they commit to adding talent, Rosenthal identifies two key needs: a high-leverage reliever and a right-handed hitter.

While Texas’s bullpen has generally performed well this season, the recent injury to Chris Martin has left a void in high-pressure situations. With no set closer currently in place, the Rangers could be in the market for experienced late-inning arms. Potential targets might include Ryan Helsley (Cardinals), Raisel Iglesias (Braves), or even Kenley Jansen (Angels), if Anaheim decides to offload players. For a longer-term solution, closers like Jhoan Duran (Twins) or Pete Fairbanks (Rays) could also be considered, though such

 

acquisitions would likely require a steeper trade cost.

Offensively, the Rangers have underperformed all year, despite strong contributions from Corey Seager, Josh Smith, Evan Carter, and Wyatt Langford. Veterans like Marcus Semien have shown improvement, but overall, Texas still ranks sixth-worst in team offense across MLB. The team has particularly struggled against left-handed pitchers, posting a wRC+ of just 75—third-worst in the league.

To address this, the Rangers are eyeing right-handed bats. Eugenio Suárez (Diamondbacks) is one of the top names available, and with Josh Jung’s underwhelming performance at third base, he could be a strong fit. However, Suárez is drawing attention from several teams. Other right-handed or switch-hitting options include Willi Castro (Twins), Ramón Laureano (Orioles), and Yandy Díaz (Rays), all of whom could upgrade the Rangers’ offensive depth without forcing established players like Adolis García out of the lineup

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Still, any moves the Rangers make must factor in their delicate luxury tax situation. With only about $6 million in room below the first tax threshold (per RosterResource), and additional contract escalators still possible, Texas has little flexibility. They could consider shedding salary by trading a player or pursue deals where the selling team absorbs part of a contract—but those options often come with a higher acquisition price.

In short, the Rangers seem ready to buy, but will have to navigate tight budget constraints and a competitive trade market to address their most pressing needs.