Grading reader-submitted trade proposals for the Texas Rangers

Sep 21, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; A fan attempts to catch a home run ball hit by Los Angeles Angels right fielder Taylor Ward (not pictured) during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2022; Arlington, Texas, USA; A fan attempts to catch a home run ball hit by Los Angeles Angels right fielder Taylor Ward (not pictured) during the first inning against the Texas Rangers at Globe Life Field. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
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Jul 31, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Kris Bryant (23) warms up on deck in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 31, 2022; Denver, Colorado, USA; Colorado Rockies left fielder Kris Bryant (23) warms up on deck in the first inning against the Los Angeles Dodgers at Coors Field. Mandatory Credit: Isaiah J. Downing-USA TODAY Sports

Grading other fan-submitted Texas Rangers trade proposals

Trade #1

Submitted by @TheEarl4435

Rockies receive: OF Aaron Zavala, RHP Glenn Otto, 2B Luisangel Acuna, INF Ezequiel Duran, INF/OF Josh Smith, SS Maximo Acosta

Rangers receive: 3B/OF Kris Bryant, RHP Daniel Bard

To say this is outside the box might be understating things. This swap between the Rockies and Rangers makes little sense on Texas’ end.

Bryant and Bard are signed to long-term deals that would probably hamper the Rangers’ ability to make other upgrades this winter. The Rockies better be sending some cash here if they want the haul this fan is proposing, because otherwise Texas is taking on a lot of money here while also surrendering gobs of talent.

In theory, Bryant and Bard address areas of weakness for the Texas Rangers in the outfield and pitching staff, respectively, but this certainly isn’t the most economical way to upgrade by any means. Hard pass on this deal.

Grade: D

Trade #2

Submitted by: @ian_graham24

Pirates receive: SS Danyer Cueva, 2B Luisangel Acuna, 2B Ezequiel Duran, C Sam Huff, OF Leody Taveras

Rangers receive: OF Bryan Reynolds

The Pirates’ willingness to trade All-Star outfielder Bryan Reynolds has been a mystery for a few years now. But if it were going to happen, it won’t be to Texas in this package.

Reynolds makes a ton of sense for the Rangers, giving them an All-Star outfielder right now to pair with Adolis Garcia. But Pittsburgh will surely want star power in prospect form to match what they’d be giving up in Reynolds. Leody Taveras makes good sense as a placeholder for the Pirates here, and Sam Huff gives the Pirates instant power at the plate, but I’d look for the Pirates to ask for pitching here given their position player depth. Cole Winn, perhaps?

Luisangel Acuna is a good prospect, to be sure, but how valuable would Danyer Cueva be to the Pirates? Probably not very. Ditto Duran, as the Pirates have similar player types in their middle infield.

There’s a foundation here, but not a deal.

Grade: C-

Conclusion

This was a great exercise and it was fun thinking through potential trades with fans in these different scenarios. One thing we can all agree on here: let’s hope the Texas Rangers make some trades in real life this winter! And let’s do this again soon.

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