Re-grading the Texas Rangers’ 2021 off-season a year later
Elvis Andrus to the A’s for Khris Davis, Jonah Heim and Dane Acker
Trading Elvis Andrus, a Texas Rangers fan favorite, was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow in February 2021. Trading him for Khris Davis just seems insulting, though.
Davis was absolutely awful for the Rangers in 2021, but he was merely the other end of a pure salary dump between two division rivals. It’s not as if Andrus was a world-beater in 2021, either, if that’s any silver lining. The A’s needed a shortstop, and Andrus filled the hole. That’s really it.
In totality, this trade really hinges on what Jonah Heim and Dane Acker become with the Texas Rangers. Heim was solid in 2021, forming a decent tandem with Jose Trevino behind he plate. Neither catcher can hit really well, but both can pick it behind the plate with their gloves. The fact that Heim remains in the fold for 2022 is a net positive for the Rangers.
Acker, meanwhile, is an intriguing pitching prospect who was sidelined in 2021 due to injury. If he’s able to tap into some of his potential, then this trade could be a slam dunk for the Rangers. For now, though, we have what we have. Andrus and Davis have basically negated themselves, while Heim is a nice player. But Acker could be where this deal is won.
Grade: C, with B potential