5 creative trades that could improve the Texas Rangers in 2022

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Oct 2, 2021; Houston, Texas, USA; Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson (28) runs to first base after hitting a a single against the Houston Astros during the seventh inning at Minute Maid Park. Mandatory Credit: Troy Taormina-USA TODAY Sports /

Texas Rangers trade target- Matt Olson, 1B, Oakland A’s

The full proposal includes RHP Ronny Henriquez going to Oakland.

The Oakland A’s, like the Ray’s, will operate as they do.

Already rumored to be shopping their starters and having lost their long-time manager, they continue to tear it down by sending the Matts (Chapman and Olson) away. Olson is of particular interest here coming off another great campaign. In 156 games in 2021, he hit 39 home runs while batting .271. The power-hitting lefty is also a two-time Gold Glove winner at a key defensive position.

Lowe’s services would be wasted as a backup (maybe DH?) but Oakland would be quick to replace Olson. Lowe did well in what amounted to his first full season in the bigs, hitting .264 with 18 home runs. With some expected growth from him, Oakland would be happy to have a cheap 1B for their rebuild.

Texas may need to upgrade from Tejeda to make this work but as mentioned before, he has a lot of tools that can excite. Meanwhile, Smith has been a riser through both the Yankees and Rangers system as he continues to hit.

If the A’s also moved on from Chapman they could use some 3B help as well. That’s where Wendzel would come in to play. The Rangers cap off the blockbuster trade sending high ceiling Ronny Henriquez to the Bay area. Like Tejeda though, Henriquez could need “upgrading” to either Otto or Alexy if the A’s want major league-ready arms.

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