Texas Rangers: Solutions to the Drew Smyly Dilemma

Snag a DFA Pitcher or Trade for a Veteran.

Picking up a DFA is probably the simplest option as far as adding a player, however, you then have to make room for them on the 40-man roster. Additionally, there are not a plethora of options out there. Really, the only player that is of interest to me would be Nick Kingham who was DFA’d by the Pirates on Saturday. He is thought to still be a talented pitcher who lacks development and at 27, he’s got some future years available. However, he’s been objectively terrible this year as well, meaning Texas would be trading one struggling starter for another. Maybe the Rangers feel they can give Kingham the needed change of scenery but I don’t think this is a risk worth taking.

Texas could go to the trade market to find a pitcher if needed. They could go the same route they went acquiring catcher Tim Federowicz, searching for a veteran on a team’s Triple-A roster. This probably would only cost cash or a low PTBNL and could get you a quick fix. The other option is to look at team’s that are likely to be sellers at the deadline and try to beat the rush to a late rotation starter. The one that instantly comes to mind is bringing back Derek Holland from the San Francisco Giants who sit in the cellar of the NL West and will be dealing off assets soon enough.

Holland hasn’t had a great year for San Fran and won’t likely accrue a ton of interest from top-level contenders meaning Texas could swoop in on the cheap and snag a fan favorite and bring him back to Arlington. He’d be a rental for the Rangers as he’s only on a 1-year deal. He’s worked mostly out of the bullpen for the Giants this season but at the very least, he’d give the Rangers another option and would be a great clubhouse addition.