Texas Rangers: 5 Insane Trades The Team Could Make This Season

Imagine a rotation with Yu Darvish, Cole Hamels, and Sonny Gray. That would be tough rotation, especially in the playoffs. This could be the Rangers 2017 rotation this post-season if the Rangers can pull off a trade for the Oakland Athletics ace.

Gray struggled heavily in 2016 going 5-11 5.69 ERA in 22 starts with Oakland. Before 2016 Gray had three straight strong performances to begin his Major League career. Not eligible for free agency until 2020, but 2016 could have been his last with Oakland.

The Athletics are going through a rebuilding process and they know Gray is a gold mine. Free agency does not have superstar pitchers right now and trading is the only way to acquire an ace this off-season.

The Athletics know they have a huge trade chip and they will likely move Gray to the highest bidder. The 2016 performance could have hurt Gray in the trade market, but not enough for him to completely lose value.

The return on Gray is going to cost whichever team that acquires him. If the Rangers acquire Gray it is going to mean losing some top prospects. Is it worth losing multiple top prospects for a pitcher with a 5 ERA?

Yes, but maybe wait until mid-season to acquire Gray. If he is able to return to his All-Star ability the Athletics could get an even better return. Then the Rangers would be sure that they are getting an ace pitcher. Not just for 2017, but they could have the Darvish, Hamels, Gray combo for years.