3 Texas Rangers who have legitimate All-Star cases right now

Texas Rangers All-Star Case: RHP Ian Kennedy

Would you have believed me if I told you Texas Rangers’ closer Ian Kennedy would be third in the AL in saves by June, along with having an ERA under 2?

Well believe it, because both of these statements are true.

Kennedy has been the definition of a closer for the Rangers in 2021, developing into the team’s reliable ninth-inning option in close games.

Going against the veteran closer’s All-Star case are his counterparts across the AL including the Red Sox’ Matt Barnes, the White Sox’ Liam Hendriks and the Yankees’ Aroldis Chapman, all of whom have also been excellent and play for winning teams.

However, Kennedy’s numbers match up pretty well with those players, and getting him on the AL All-Star roster would also boost his trade value, something the Rangers are really banking on by the trade deadline as teams look for relief help.

The 36-year-old has still got it as a closer and should be rewarded with a trip to Denver for the Midsummer Classic.