Texas Rangers: 1 trade to make, 1 trade to avoid this deadline season

Coming off a sweep in Detroit at the hands of the Tigers after being swept by the Blue Jays in Buffalo, the Texas Rangers‘ season is spiraling out of control. Who knows if they’ll ever win a game again?

Just kidding (maybe), but it’s getting ugly out there. Par for the course during a rebuild. In the long run, though, you’ll be glad the Texas Rangers did this. One could even argue they started this process too late.

Anyway, let’s shift the focus back to the trade deadline, where the team is expected to be active sellers despite recent comments from the front office. Three assets stand out right now from the pack: pitchers Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy, and right fielder Joey Gallo.

While the latter has been involved in many trade rumors recently, the former two have not. But that won’t stop us from mocking some trade scenarios.

Here is one trade the Texas Rangers should make and one trade to avoid at the deadline.

1 trade to make: Kyle Gibson and Ian Kennedy

The Texas Rangers should not hesitate to trade one or both of these pitchers

So be it that the rumor mill has been quiet surrounding these two, the Rangers know that they can extract value for starter Kyle Gibson (2.86 ERA) and Ian Kennedy (2.59 ERA, 15 saves).

We recently highlighted three teams who we think would benefit from potentially acquiring these two pitchers together. Not only would Texas receive more prospect capital for packaging them in one deal, but each could represent bona fide upgrades to a number of starting staffs and relief corps on a few banged up contenders.

A Gibson-Kennedy deal is the type of trade the Rangers can make to really get the most out of their respective values. Gibson alone might attract a decent player or two, but his career numbers will likely scare potential buyers. And while Kennedy has been effective as the closer, the fact that he’s a rental will decrease his value naturally, especially with other trade options available.

Put together though? That’s one bundle that could be downright irresistible to contenders looking for reinforcements.

1 trade to avoid: Joey Gallo

No matter how many rumors pop up this trade deadline season, the Texas Rangers should hold onto Joey Gallo

I know this may sound like unconventional wisdom, especially after advocating for the Rangers to be sellers at this year’s deadline, but trading Joey Gallo would be unwise.

Gallo is having a nice season in 2021, including his first Home Run Derby appearance and his second career All-Star selection. And he’s made it clear he’d like to remain in Texas for the long haul.

No objections here!

You won’t find many players committing themselves through a rebuild the way the 26-year-old seems to be. There’s got to be some talent on the current roster keeping around anyway, right?

Along with Adolis Garcia, Isiah Kiner-Falefa and Nathaniel Lowe, Joey Gallo represents one of the few position players worth building around.

Trading Gallo might mean a decently-sized prospect haul, especially given the Padres’ recent desperation and the Yankees’ continued interest, but does anyone think either of those clubs (or any club, for that matter) will actually meet a sky-high asking price? Doubtful.

Selling high is usually the right strategy, but unless Texas can get a slam dunk package for Joey Gallo, why not try extending him instead and reward him for his outspoken loyalty to the Rangers organization by making him the face of this franchise?

Seems like a no-brainer to us.