Texas Rangers Rumor Roundup: Buying or Selling?

Less than three days remain before the MLB Trade Deadline and the Texas Rangers have been a part of a number of trade rumors.

Just over 48 hours remain until the July 31st MLB non-waiver trade deadline. The Rangers already have dealt two pitchers, Jesse Chavez and Cole Hamels. Now the question is, are there anymore deals to be made. A number of names have been mentioned but not all rumors are created equal. Here we’re rounding up the biggest Rangers rumors and whether we’re buying or selling the rumor.

The Rangers Decide To Send Off Mike Minor

The Rangers signed Mike Minor this offseason to a 3-year deal worth $28 million. Texas was one of the few teams willing to give Minor a chance to start and he’s impressed since the start of the season. Rumors have recently popped up that the Rangers could be shopping Mike Minor. The 30 year old figures to be a big part of the Texas 2019 rotation but teams looking for controllable pitching may be interested.

Verdict: Sell

I don’t think Texas has interest in moving Minor. Unless a team comes in and overwhelms them with an offer, the Rangers will be inclined to hold on to him and use him as a top end starter for 2019 especially after they dealt Cole Hamels.

Texas Finds A Buyer For Jake Diekman

Jake Diekman seems the most likely Ranger to get dealt at the deadline this season. A hard throwing lefty with an expiring contract, Diekman represents one of the top remaining relief rentals on the market. A number of teams seem to be interested including most heavily the Braves. There’s even connections with teams and a two player deal including Diekman and Kela which could bring in a huge haul.

Verdict: Buy

The Rangers will deal Diekman for pretty much anything they can get. It’s unlikely they resign him this offseason meaning Texas will want to recoup at least some of their investment. They probably can draw in at least a mid level prospect which will plenty of return for them to pull the trigger.

Adrian Beltre Goes To A Contender

Perhaps the hardest to predict, Adrian Beltre rumors have picked up exponentially over the past few days. The most heavily involved seem to be the Atlanta Braves at the moment. Beltre possesses a no-trade clause that means he could block any deal Texas agrees to but he’s made it clear over the past couple of days that he would be interested in joining a contender for the remainder of the season.

Verdict: Buy

As the deadline gets closer, teams seem to be getting more desperate for hitting depth. Beltre, while not what he once was, has been consistent at the plate this season and represents the veteran leadership a young team like the Braves could use. I would not be shocked if he gets dealt in the next 24 hours.

Alex Claudio Joins The Reliever Market

Alex Claudio’s name has popped up a lot over the past couple of days as a controllable relief arm. He’s under team control until 2022 and at only 26 years old, he represents an affordable long term option for contending teams. Like Diekman and Beltre, the Braves seem to be interested in Claudio as they look to build on their youth from this year and be a perennial contender moving forward.

Verdict: Sell

I think the Rangers would have to be truly convinced to move Claudio. Because he’s under control for 3 more years, the Rangers could use him as a center piece of their bullpen over the next couple of years. Texas won’t find someone willing to give up what it would take to make the Rangers part ways with him.

The Rangers Find A Package For Keone Kela

Kela without a doubt would command the most return of any pitcher Texas is considering trading. Like Claudio, he’s under control for a couple of years and at 25 years old, has solidified himself as one of the better young closers in the game. Teams like the Braves, Pirates and Dodgers seem very interested in Kela because he’s cheap and controllable while also representing a viable late inning arm.

Verdict: Buy

I think at this point it’s safe to say that Keone Kela will get traded. Too many teams seem interested in the Rangers closer and Texas will want to capitalize while his value is high. Even though Keone has voiced his desire to stay in Texas, the Rangers will find a deal too good to pass up.