Should the Texas Rangers Acquire Kelvin Herrera?

It’s not even June yet, but GM Jon Daniels should be scouting around for some veteran bullpen help. Could relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera be headed to Arlington this season?

One of the biggest problems for the Texas Rangers has been bullpen. They struggled to close out games early in the season, and still have problems getting from starter to closer. It could be time for the organization to look for some outside help.

The Kansas City Royals will likely be shopping relief pitcher Kelvin Herrera this summer. The two-time All-Star could be an interesting option for the Rangers. He is not eligible for free agency until the 2019 season.

That means the Rangers could potentially get two or more strong seasons out of Herrera. The 27-year-old will be a hot commodity as the trade deadline approaches. Organizations will be looking to load up on bullpen, and Herrera is one of the best relief pitchers available.

This season Herrera is 1-1 with a 3.86 ERA in 21 games with 11 saves. He’s allowed just nine earned runs, and just four walks. It sounds like a dream come true for the Rangers, but is it just Jeremy Jeffress 2.0?

Last season the Rangers acquired Jeffress and now he has a 5.95 ERA in 23 games with 13 earned runs. Currently, batters are hitting .350 off Jeffress and he’s allowed 13 walks. If the Rangers acquire Herrera could this happen to him?

It’s unlikely, Herrera has been one of the best relief pitchers in the MLB when it comes to command. The most walks he’s allowed in a single season is 26. The next question becomes, what about Matt Bush?

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Since Sam Dyson lost the closer role, veteran Matt Bush has filled in nicely. Through 18 appearances Bush has a 1.02 ERA with 21 strikeouts, and has converted seven of his eight saves attempts.

If the Rangers acquire Herrera that doesn’t mean Bush will lose his job as closer. The 2017 season is Herrera’s seventh MLB season, and he has 28 career saves. He could be exactly what the Rangers need right now.

Both Jeffress and Dyson can’t be trusted to hold the lead late in the game. If Herrera is acquired he could be the guy that can hold down that late inning lead until Bush can come in and close it down in the ninth.

Next: Should the Rangers Sign Jonathan Lucroy Long-Term?

This sounds too good to be true, but could be exactly what the Rangers need to keep them alive. Late inning bullpen has been their downfall, and hopefully the team will make the move and acquire Herrera.