3 Players The Texas Rangers Should Trade At The Deadline

Cole Hamels

If the Rangers decide to rebuild then they need to move veteran Cole Hamels. This trade could bring back more than both Darvish and Lucroy combined. Despite his struggles this season, Hamels track record speaks for itself.

He is signed through the 2018 sign with a team option for 2019. The extra years is what makes Hamels such an appealing option. Both Lucroy and Darvish would be half a season transactions, but Hamels would be for possibly two seasons.

This season Hamels is 3-0 with a 4.12 ERA in seven starts. He was an All-Star last season, but has spent plenty of time on the disabled list in 2016. He’s not likely going to get any better and the Rangers should just trade him while he still has value.

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The fact Hamels has multiple years left and is affordable makes him a valuable asset. Teams will ignore the 4 ERA, and trust he will bounce back. This could be a game changing trade for the Rangers.

It’s hard to imagine Texas getting back what they gave up to Philadelphia for Hamels. They could still get at least one or two top-tier prospects for Hamels. Then possibly three or four lower level players.

Getting a No. 5 or higher prospect from any organization for Hamels is unlikely. If they did, that would be basically the only player in the deal. It’s much better if the Rangers get five or six players and restock their farm system.

Next: 3 Options to Fill the Hole At Closer

At the end of the day the Rangers could possibly get around ten total players for Lucroy, Hamels, and Darvish. Yes, rebuilding is hard to watch, but this could be a chance to change the culture in Arlington for the future.