3 ripple effects from the Texas Rangers' acquisition of Mitch Garver

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May 24, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver (8) hits a two run double in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports /

Shockwaves were sent throughout the Texas Rangers fanbase on Saturday as the team orchestrated a trade to acquire former Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver in exchange for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pitching prospect Ronny Henriquez.

On the surface, it’s a great move for the Rangers, who get a power-hitting catcher to slot in the middle of an already improved lineup. Garver immediately becomes the everyday starter behind the plate.

Trading Kiner-Falefa, a fan favorite, was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow. The versatile defender has been an integral part of the Rangers for the last few seasons. Texas will miss his Gold Glove ranging around in the infield, but it was a sound baseball decision to move off him in favor of someone who improves both the team’s defense and offense in Mitch Garver. These are the kinds of moves winning organizations make, as the Rangers attempt to become one again soon.

For now, though, here are three ripple effects from the Mitch Garver trade.

3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

1. The Rangers need a third baseman

This is probably the most glaring effect of the Garver pick up. Prior to the trade with Minnesota, Isiah Kiner-Falefa was penciled in as the starting third baseman for the Texas Rangers in 2022. This was further cemented by the shoulder injury to top prospect Josh Jung, who is expected to miss most of, if not all of, the upcoming season.

With Kiner-Falefa playing for the Twins now, though, the Rangers need a third baseman. And they have options both internally and externally.

Texas could seek a Kris Bryant-type on the free agent market, where they’ve already hashed out $565 million in total value this off-season. They could pursue Matt Chapman of the Oakland A’s, who is expected to be available as that team begins their fire sale. But they could also look within, to prospects like Davis Wendzel or Sherten Apostel, and big leaguers like Andy Ibanez and Yonny Hernandez to help fill the void at third base for now.

The Rangers have options. But they now need to figure out their third base situation this spring.

Sep 23, 2020; Phoenix, Arizona, USA; Texas Rangers catcher Sam Huff against the Arizona Diamondbacks at Chase Field. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports /

3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

2. Sam Huff is not the long-term answer at catcher

I’ve had a hunch about this one for a while.

Trading for a two-way catcher like Mitch Garver is damning for Huff’s prospects at being the Texas Rangers’ long-term catcher. At 31, Garver is in his prime, yet young enough to still be effective for years to come. Clearly, Texas wants Garver to be their backstop leader as they attempt to vault back to contender status starting in 2023. And with two strong backups in Jonah Heim and Jose Trevino, that doesn’t leave much room for Huff to be involved legitimately in any catcher plans going forward.

Huff consistently gets hurt, and his bigger frame is not ideal for handling the rigors of the catcher position. He does still have a potent bat, however, which could make him a good DH or first baseman at some point. Right now and going forward, though, Mitch Garver is the man behind the plate for the Rangers.

That leaves Sam Huff as kind of an odd man out.

Sep 22, 2021; Bronx, New York, USA; New York Yankees catcher Kyle Higashioka (66) is tagged out by Texas Rangers catcher Jose Trevino (23) while trying to advance on a fly out by New York third baseman DJ LeMahieu (not pictured) during the fifth inning at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Penner-USA TODAY Sports /

3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

3. Jose Trevino or Jonah Heim will be traded

This seems like a relatively obvious takeaway from the Texas Rangers acquiring Mitch Garver, but it still matters.

The Rangers aren’t done wheeling and dealing on this crazy, post-lockout market. Therefore, having extra ammunition to use in trades on the big league roster is to their benefit. In Jose Trevino and Jonah Heim, Texas has just that. Mitch Garver doesn’t need two backups!

My gut tells me of the two catchers, Trevino is more likely to be dealt. Trevino offers little in the way of upside, but he’s a good leader and defender behind the plate. Some team would find value in having him as a backup.

Heim, meanwhile, was acquired as part of the Elvis Andrus-Khris Davis salary dump trade with the A’s last winter. By acquiring him and pitching prospect Dane Acker, the Rangers were willing to add salary just to get the benefit of adding two young players with various levels of upside. It doesn’t seem likely, therefore, that Texas would move off Heim so suddenly. Heim also has more upside than Trevino from an age standpoint alone. And he bats from the left side, which compliments Garver’s powerful right-handed swing.

Next. Texas Rangers trade Kiner-Falefa to upgrade at catcher. dark

Either way, though, expect one of Trevino or Heim to be included in a future trade package as the Texas Rangers look to round out their roster.

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3 ripple effects from the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

1. The Rangers need a third baseman

3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

2. Sam Huff is not the long-term answer at catcher

3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver

3. Jose Trevino or Jonah Heim will be traded

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