1 Rangers reunion that should happen by the trade deadline, 1 that must be avoided

Familiarity is a wonderful thing. It can help build trust and comfort, and when it comes to baseball, it can help you know exactly what you're going to get. As the Texas Rangers approach the trade deadline, they will mull reuniting with certain players from the franchise's past in order to fill holes.

But just because a player is familiar doesn't mean he's a good fit. There are guys who bombed out with the Rangers and should be avoided, while others might still be quality options but don't fit what the team truly needs at this juncture.

With that said, there are two former Rangers who could be on the move by August 3, but only one should be looked at as a real option for Texas.

The Rangers should strongly consider reuniting with Kirby Yates

Kirby Yates' lone season in Arlington was a spectacular one. In 2024, the right-hander posted a 1.17 ERA and recorded 33 saves while throwing 61 2/3 innings. Since then, he left town, and things didn't go well at his next stop with the Los Angeles Dodgers.

Yates made 50 appearances with the Dodgers but still missed significant time with back and hamstring injuries. So while he posted a miserable 5.23 ERA, it's fair to wonder how much of that was a result of him not being fully healthy.

This year, Yates has had something of a return to form. Through 24 appearances and 21 innings, he's posted a 3.00 ERA and 2.96 FIP. He owns a 32.6% strikeout rate, which would be a huge boost to Texas relievers' collective 20.2% K-rate that ranks 25th in MLB.

The Rangers' bullpen is currently in tatters with five rookies making up the ranks. In particular, the right-handed options are filled with uncertainty. A high-leverage righty is perhaps the team's biggest need, and the 39-year-old Yates won't cost much to acquire in terms of prospects, and the prorated amount of his $5 million salary won't blow up the budget. He's a cost-effective way to upgrade versus the bigger, more expensive names.

The Rangers have no room for an Isiah Kiner-Falefa reunion

Another Rangers' reunion that has been bandied about is with Boston Red Sox utility man Isiah Kiner-Falefa. IKF is having arguably his best season at the plate this year, hitting .277/.344/.361, which is good for a 97 wRC+. He also makes just $6 million this season.

Despite this, he's not a fit for Texas. Justin Foscue has carved out a real role as a lefty masher in the infield. Ezequiel Duran is a high-end solution around the diamond and likely returns to regular second base duty when Corey Seager returns from the IL.

Nicky Lopez has been a better version of all the things that IKF provides, while Cameron Cauley adds outfield versatility and a level of speed that is beyond Kiner-Falefa.

Speaking of Seager, when he's activated, there will be a logjam that likely costs one of these guys their spot on the 26-man roster. There's no need to muddy the water by giving up assets for a player in Kiner-Falefa when there are so many other, more pressing holes that need to be filled.

Finally, after a blistering finish to the first half, the Red Sox are back in the playoff picture, casting doubt as to whether or not they'd truly sell. The Rangers would be better off barking up other trees.

Add us as a preferred source on Google

Follow