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

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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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.