Texas Rangers Trade Deadline: Organization was content to stay pat

After pulling off a somewhat surprising trade on Monday evening that sent relief pitcher Matt Bush to the Brewers for highly talented LHP prospect Antoine Kelly, (he slots at #15 in the Rangers prospect list) and AAA utility man Mark Mathias, the Texas Rangers stood pat on Tuesday. Action at the trade deadline can be exciting for an organization and a fan base.

No action can also indicate that the club likes where they are currently, as well as the path that they are on.

Texas Rangers seem content with the direction they are heading after quiet trade deadline

Obviously with a record that is well below .500 and virtually no chance at the playoffs this year (Fangraphs currently has the Rangers playoff chances at 0.1% — so they’re saying we have a chance!) we were not going to be buyers for this season. If there would have been a deal or two that made sense for ’23 and beyond, there is no doubt that Chris Young and Jon Daniels would have pulled the trigger.

The one player that most people felt like would be moved, was Matt Moore. He has pitched great this year and has performed well above his career numbers. Over 48.2 innings this season, the left-handed reliever has posted 52 Ks, has a 1.66 ERA, and 2.79 FIP. Due to hit free agency at the end of this season, it was assumed that Moore would be traded to garner a return of additional prospects to add to the Rangers strong farm system. That didn’t happen. Not that it will be a guarantee, but Texas will be looking to sign Moore to an extension in the offseason to help solidify the bullpen for next years’ playoff push.

It should be remembered that Moore was a non-roster invitee to training camp that didn’t even make the opening day roster. He was called up shortly after the season started, and he has battled for the Rangers all season and hopefully he will be part of a fun season in ’23.

The only other player, that on paper should have been traded, was Martin Perez. Perez is also having a career year. In 20 starts this season, Perez has pitched 125 innings, posted 107 Ks, allowed only 35 BB, has a 2.52 ERA, 3.07 FIP, and 2.8 WAR. The first time All-Star would have fetched a good amount of talent, but as with Moore, the Texas Rangers want him to be part of the team next season and beyond.

Not only that, but Perez wants to be in Arlington and has made it clear of his wishes to stay in the organization. That fact could help the Texas Rangers sign Perez in the offseason, and potentially do so at a slight discount.

Even though it was quiet on the outside, the Rangers front office was working hard over the last few days, exploring every possible scenario. At the end of the day, they felt like staying the course was the proper decision. They are committed to adding starting pitching in the offseason, and since Chris Young showed up in Arlington, things are heading in a great direction. This offseason should be an exciting one.