Should the Texas Rangers try to acquire catcher Blake Swihart from Boston?

What would the Rangers give up?

The 29-14 Boston Red Sox don’t have many weaknesses. They have depth everywhere, making trade proposals very difficult. Though, one void that stands out is within the bullpen. Boston’s relief weapons all throw right-handed. The two lefties they currently have in the pen are Brian Johnson and Bobby Poyner. Johnson has pitched poorly and Poyner has pitched well, but in a short sample.

What am I getting at? The Rangers have an experienced left-handed pitcher in their bullpen. Jake Diekman’s contract is up with Texas after this season. Therefore, a trade to Boston would result in five months of work (depending on if/when he was traded).

Blake Swihart is under team control through 2022. From a contractual standpoint, the Texas Rangers would better benefit. The contract discrepancy might even require an additional Ranger to be added to the deal.

With that said, the Red Sox have their backs against the wall. A decision will have to be made with Swihart in a matter of weeks. Again, he can’t be sent to the minors and there is no sense keeping three catchers on a 25-man roster. Swihart would be wasting a roster spot.

Plus, the Boston Red Sox are in the race. Their expectations are to win the World Series. For this reason, they will do whatever they can to strengthen their current bunch. Jake Diekman would give Boston a  left-handed weapon out of the pen—something the team absolutely needs.

Next: Rangers’ Prospect Radar: Bubba Thompson

The stories of the Texas Rangers and Boston Red Sox could not be any more contrasting. But a trade involving Swihart and Diekman would be on path for each team. Texas gets a young, under control player to fill a desperate need at catcher. Boston fills a void with a power lefty reliever.