Nolan Writin'
Fansided

Three Players the Texas Rangers Need to Trade this Winter

By Kenneth Nash

SEATTLE, WA - MAY 30: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers is congratulated by Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers after scoring on a triple by Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers off of starting pitcher James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning of game at Safeco Field on May 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images)
SEATTLE, WA - MAY 30: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers is congratulated by Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers after scoring on a triple by Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers off of starting pitcher James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning of game at Safeco Field on May 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /
facebooktwitterreddit
Prev
4 of 4
Next
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 08: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers hits a double that scored two runs in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on September 8, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images)
OAKLAND, CA – SEPTEMBER 08: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers hits a double that scored two runs in the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at Oakland Alameda Coliseum on September 8, 2018, in Oakland, California. (Photo by Ezra Shaw/Getty Images) /

3. Nomar Mazara

Nomar Mazara is probably the most controversial name on the list and likewise, also is the most valuable. The Rangers lefty slugger is approaching just 24-years-old and has already cemented himself as a mainstay in the Rangers order. He’s been a starter since 2016 and has arguably been one of the most consistent players on the team as well. Signs point to Mazara having the potential to be a star in the league.

Mazara, or “The Big Chill”, as he’s known by many, is coming off a season in 2018 that saw him spend some time out of the lineup with an injury. However, he still managed to hit .258, launch 20 home runs for the 3rd season in a row, and post an OPS over .750 for the first time in his young career. He seems to be trending upwards, which is the exact reason it’s time to capitalize on his value.

Similarly to Willie Calhoun, Mazara could be a victim of overcrowding in the Rangers roster. While he is good enough to lock in a spot in the order every night, he’s limited to playing right field defensively where, coincidentally, looks like the best spot for the Rangers to play Joey Gallo. He’s a quality right fielder but either Mazara or Gallo needs to be starting there meaning one is without a spot.

When debating Mazara versus Gallo, while the stats may lean towards Maz, team control points the other direction. Mazara is under team control through the 2021 season while Gallo has an extra year. Additionally, Gallo likely wouldn’t draw the same return that Mazara would. Dealing Mazara would take another lefty out of the lineup to give Texas some much needed balance.

Next. Globe Life Park Gets a Post-Texas Rangers Tenant. dark

Nomar Mazara should pull in the biggest haul out of anybody on this list and in my opinion, could bring in a top-tier pitching prospect that could give the Rangers a piece to build the rotation around for years to come. A legit frontline starter plus a late-rotation potential prospect would be a good return plus a lottery ticket player or two.

Home/Texas Rangers News