Texas Rangers: Top 5 Major League Trade Chips in 2022

Sep 16, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Glenn Otto (49) throws during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 16, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Glenn Otto (49) throws during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-USA TODAY Sports /
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Aug 28, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 28, 2021; Arlington, Texas, USA; Texas Rangers right fielder Adolis Garcia (53) rounds the bases after hitting a home run against the Houston Astros during the sixth inning at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /

Top five Texas Rangers trade chips in 2022

2. Adolis Garcia

It was a season to remember for Adolis “El Bombi” Garcia in 2021.

A true diamond in the rough, Garcia put up a Rookie of the Year-caliber campaign last season with 31 home runs and a .740 OPS. And that’s without mentioning his elite outfield defense.

Garcia was a spark plug and a bright spot on an otherwise forgettable 2021 Texas Rangers team. But what he accomplished in 2021 probably isn’t sustainable, especially if you look at his high whiff rate compared with his low walk rate.

The power in his game, along with his defense, both seem legitimate. But will he be able to overcome strikeout tendencies at the plate long term? The odds aren’t great.

At 28, though, Garcia is theoretically in his prime. That alone could make him a valuable trade chip. Another team could find the error in his ways in terms of plate approach and really nab themselves a good player.

The major drawback of trading El Bombi, of course, would be that the Rangers need outfield help badly. By trading away Garcia, an already weak group would become… even weaker.

Luckily, there are some pretty sweet free agent alternatives this off-season…