Texas Rangers: Ranking the Top Deadline Deals Since 2000

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ARLINGTON, TX – JULY 31: Nelson Cruz #17 of the Texas Rangers at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on July 31, 2013 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Ronald Martinez/Getty Images) /

3. July 28, 2006: Acquiring Nelson Cruz from the Brewers

(n-WAR: 3.5)

Nelson Cruz arguably has had the best career since the Rangers acquired him compared to anybody on the list. Cruz cemented himself as a mainstay in the Rangers order for the better part of 8 seasons. Establishing himself as one of the premier power hitters in baseball, Cruz was named to 3 All-Star games and was the 2011 AL ALCS MVP.

To acquire Cruz, Texas did send away some very recognizable names to fans. Francisco Cordero, a successful closer, would go on to have a good career post-Rangers playing into his late 30s. Kevin Mench, a fan favorite outfielder, never really made much of his time after being dealt, playing just a couple of more seasons before retiring. Nix, played a number of more years after the trade bouncing around to a couple of clubs. None of the three players Texas traded to Milwaukee were with the club past the 2008 season.

Texas also received OF Carlos Lee in the deal but he left for Houston the following year and statistically didn’t do much in his time in Arlington.

Next: Number 2

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