3 Texas Rangers starting pitching trade targets to pursue this winter

3 starting pitchers the Texas Rangers should trade for this winter

2. Pablo Lopez

Career stats: 3.98 ERA, 1.20 WHIP, 8.6 K/9

Lopez will be a frequent name mentioned amongst the Rangers fanbase this winter. A year younger (26) than Burnes, he too will be a free agent in 2024. The young Marlin pitcher has been consistent throughout his career, having 3 consecutive years with a sub-four ERA. 2022 has been a bit up and down as he started the season looking like an early Cy Young contender before cooling off considerably. He’s posted a 5.00 ERA through his last 20 starts, including a five-inning, five-run loss to Texas in August.

The declining second half of the year has done little to quell trade rumors surrounding him as the Marlins have a plethora of young pitchers to deal from to help improve their team. Lopez has shown all the stuff and flashes of a front line starter who could step in and help this rotation right away.

Pablo Lopez will be a cheaper option than Burnes as far as trade value goes but not by much. With Garett Cooper on the trading block the Fish could use help at 1B, 3B, and SS. Ezequiel Duran will be the main trading piece for the Rangers but Miami could pivot and opt for a package consisting of Bubba Thompson, Josh H. Smith and Blaine Crim.