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3 underrated trade targets to bolster Texas Rangers’ rotation after Jacob deGrom

By Angel Rico |
DETROIT, MI - MAY 24: Spencer Turnbull #56 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on May 24, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
DETROIT, MI - MAY 24: Spencer Turnbull #56 of the Detroit Tigers pitches against the Cleveland Indians at Comerica Park on May 24, 2021, in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Duane Burleson/Getty Images)
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The Texas Rangers made a big splash to begin the Winter Meetings, signing ace pitcher Jacob deGrom following a 68-94 season that saw the Rangers finish in 4th place in the American League West. The Ranger’s pitching staff was a glaring issue as it ranked 25th in the league, and even after the deGrom signing, the staff still needs work.

Owner Ray Davis has committed to spending big on pitchers this offseason, and has lived up to that so far. First, last year’s ace Martin Perez returned after accepting the Qualifying Offer and they acquired Jake Odorizzi from Atlanta. Then, they signed the aforementioned deGrom. As currently constructed the Ranger’s rotation looks like this:

1. Jacob deGrom

2. Martin Perez

3. Jon Gray

4. Jake Odorizzi

5. Dane Dunning/Cole Ragans/Glenn Otto

As you can see, help on the back end is still needed. Let’s look at three potential upgrades for the rotation in the trade market for the Texas Rangers.

3 underrated pitchers the Texas Rangers could trade for this winter

1. An underrated arm in Detroit

Spencer Turnbull has proven himself to be one of the better arms for the Detroit Tigers. The major question surrounding him is how he will perform following Tommy John surgery that sidelined him for the 2022 season. Turnbull had a good season during the pandemic-shortened 2020 season posting a 3.97 ERA while striking out 51 over 56.2 innings.

In 2021 for the Tigers, Turnbull was enjoying a breakout season until it was cut short. Despite only starting 9 games and pitching 50 innings, he was establishing himself as an ace for the rebuilding Tigers. Turnbull went 4-2 with a 2.88 ERA, 44 strikeouts, and 12 walks for the Tigers before undergoing Tommy John Surgery and missing the entire 2022 season.

Entering his age 30 season, Turnbull is expected to be ready and healthy to start the 2023 season.  With team control through 2025 and the breakout he had in 2021, he is someone the Rangers should look into as they look for rotation upgrades. If healthy he could slide in behind Jacob deGrom in the rotation, giving the Rangers a strong 1-2 punch at the top of the rotation.

MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 29: Eric Lauer #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field on September 29, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images)
MILWAUKEE, WISCONSIN – SEPTEMBER 29: Eric Lauer #52 of the Milwaukee Brewers throws a pitch in the first inning against the Miami Marlins at American Family Field on September 29, 2022 in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. (Photo by John Fisher/Getty Images) /

3 underrated pitchers the Texas Rangers could trade for this winter

2. Eric Lauer

Eric Lauer has quietly been thriving in Milwaukee since being traded to the Brewers from the San Diego Padres. Lauer struggled with the Padres before being traded to the Brewers where he showed what made him a former top prospect for the Padres. Unfortunately for him in Milwaukee, he is overshadowed by 3 of the best pitchers in baseball, Corbin Burnes, Brandon Woodruff, and Freddy Peralta.

In 2022 for the Brewers, Lauer started 29 games and pitched 158.2 innings. He finished with a 3.69 ERA, 157 strikeouts, 59 walks, and a 1.223 WHIP. Not bad for a guy regarded as the 4th best starter on the team. Unfortunately for Lauer, his strong 2022 means he is in for a raise as he enters his second year of arbitration and the Brewers may be hesitant to pay him.

With questions surrounding the contracts of Corbin Burnes and Brandon Woodruff, Lauer may find himself the odd man out in Milwaukee. Fortunately, that makes him a target for the pitching-needy Rangers where he would solidify the top of the rotation. With team control through 2025, Eric Lauer is someone who should be on the Ranger’s radar.

HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on September 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images)
HOUSTON, TEXAS – SEPTEMBER 28: Zac Gallen #23 of the Arizona Diamondbacks delivers during the first inning against the Houston Astros at Minute Maid Park on September 28, 2022 in Houston, Texas. (Photo by Carmen Mandato/Getty Images) /

3 underrated pitchers the Texas Rangers could trade for this winter

3. Zac Gallen

Zac Gallen is by far the best option of the three and the most expensive option. Acquired by the Arizona Diamondbacks from the Miami Marlins Gallen has established himself as part of the Diamondback’s future. Following this past season, he established himself as a CY-Young contender.

In 2022 Gallen started 31 games for the Diamondbacks pitching 184 innings. He pitched to a 2.54 ERA, striking out 192 to 47 walks, and a 0.913 WHIP. Gallen, 27, who is under team control through 2026 obviously won’t come cheap from the rebuilding Diamondbacks but the Rangers have enough prospect depth to get a deal done. Crazier things have happened such as Juan Soto being traded to the Padres, and the Rangers were reportedly in the mix before he was dealt.

If the Rangers want a guy to head their rotation as they enter their next period of contention Zac Gallen is the guy to target. He can very easily form a lethal tandem with Jacob deGrom in Texas’ rotation. Zac Gallen’s value shouldn’t be underestimated as he can be a huge consolation prize if the Rangers don’t sign one of the top available free agents.

Next. Grading reader-submitted trade proposals for the Rangers. dark

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