3 Ways Joe Palumbo Can Change the Texas Rangers Trade Plans

Palumbo Causes a Buying Frenzy

This would likely be a similar scenario to the above idea, but with drastically different results. The Rangers feature one of the most potent offenses in all of baseball that can make up for a lot of deficiencies on the mound.

If Palumbo really locks onto a spot in the rotation, the Rangers could feel like they have a legitimate shot at making a run this year. After all, the postseason is often about getting hot at the right time and who has the best three-starter rotation. With Minor and Lynn, you already have two quality pieces and could just be looking for the third. While Palumbo is unlikely to be that third in 2019, his success could help Texas lock up a Wild Card spot meaning a chance at the playoffs is more likely. This could prompt the Rangers to feel comfortable to chase another starting pitcher this offseason to bolster that rotation with eyes on the postseason.

As nice as this sounds on paper, it may be the most unlikely scenario though. Jon Daniels and the Rangers front office seem very committed to this “re-tooling” effort and getting caught up as buyers in the trade market is not a part of the current plan. Texas lacks the real depth in the upper part of their prospect ranks and won’t want to sacrifice any potential future pieces for what is still an outside shot.