3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds

The Texas Rangers have made big splashes this season after finishing 68-94, 4th in the AL West, and 6th straight season with a losing record. Owner Ray Davis committed to spending money this offseason to fix the Ranger’s glaring holes in both the rotation and lineup.

So far, the Rangers have lived up to their word by resigning last year’s ace Martin Perez via the qualifying offer, signing Andrew Heaney, and signing arguably the best pitcher in baseball in Jacob DeGrom. The Ranger’s rotation is greatly improved from last year, yet holes in the lineup can still be fixed, particularly from the outfield spot.

Currently, the Rangers’ outfield looks like this:

LF: Bubba Thompson

CF: Leody Taveras

RF: Adolis Garcia

Adolis Garcia is the best overall player in the group, while Taveras and Thompson are young outfielders trying to establish themselves as part of the Rangers’ future. Bryan Reynolds would be a huge upgrade for the outfield group, but the Pirates’ demands are too high for the outfielder. With that in mind, let’s take a look at some other outfielders that would boost the Ranger’s lineup.

3 outfield trade targets for the Texas Rangers to consider not named Bryan Reynolds

1. A new leadoff hitter from Colorado

The addition of Yonathan Daza would give the Texas Rangers a new leadoff hitter to hit in front of Marcus Semien and Corey Seager. While he does not add a lot of power to the Ranger’s lineup, Daza’s ability to get on base isn’t something that should be overlooked when looking at the Ranger’s lineup.

This past season with the Colorado Rockies, the 28-year-old Daza batted .301, with a .349 OPB, .384 SLG, .733 OPS, and 2 home runs.  Despite playing at the hitter’s haven that is Coors Field, Daza didn’t hit many homers but with the Rangers, Daza doesn’t need to be a power bat. Daza can easily slide into the leadoff spot and provide a boost at the top of the order.

Daza, who turns 29 in February, will be under team control through 2027 giving the Rangers a strong leadoff hitter for the foreseeable future. With Daza, the Rangers will have more RBI opportunities at the start of the game which will certainly make sluggers Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Adolis Garcia very happy.

2. A power bat in Milwaukee

Adding Tyrone Taylor would solidify the bottom of the Texas Rangers batting order by adding another power bat and strong defense. A strong centerfielder for the Brewers this past season, the 28-year-old Taylor adds a boost to the Rangers lineup and outfield that desperately needs that production.

In 2022 Taylor hit .233, with a .442 SLG, .729 OPS, and 17 homers while being worth six defensive runs saved in center field for the Brewers. This level of production would be more than warranted in the Ranger’s outfield who was missing another bat to complement Adolis Garcia. With Taylor in left field and Garcia in right field, the Rangers can expect strong defense and around 20-homer seasons from both players.

Despite his production for the Brewers, Taylor may not figure into their long-term outfield plans. The Brewer’s top five prospects can all play outfield and are all close to being called up very soon, which hurts Taylor’s trade value, making Taylor an affordable option for the Rangers. With team control through 2027, the Rangers should look to add his bat to a lineup that needs it.

3. A lefty bat with plenty of potential

While Taylor and Daza both provide boosts to the offense and defense, they wouldn’t have the same impact as Alex Verdugo would have for the Rangers. A strong bat with above-average power and defense is something the Rangers desperately need. The former top Dodger prospect who was the centerpiece of the Mookie Betts trade finds himself as the perfect solution for the Rangers outfield woes.

This past season for the Red Sox, the 26-year-old Verdugo hit .280, with a .405 SLG, .733 OPS, and 11 homers. Great numbers but not compared to the shortened 2020 season where he hit .308, .478 SLG, and .804 OPS with 6 homers. That potential with a lefty bat that the Rangers need to add to the lineup makes him a great addition for the Rangers lineup and outfield.

With team control through 2025 and still young, won’t be 27 until May, Verdugo would be a great bat at the top of the lineup and outfield. With the Red Sox needing to focus on extending Rafael Devers and adding pieces to their team, Verdugo finds himself as a trade chip and one the Rangers should target.

Now imagine a Texas Rangers lineup in 2023 with Verdugo that looks like this:

1. Alex Verdugo (L) LF
2. Marcus Semien (R) 2B
3. Corey Seager (L) SS
4. Adolis Garcia (R) RF
5. Nathaniel Lowe (L) 1B
6. Mitch Garver (R) DH
7. Josh Jung (R) 3B
8. Jonah Heim (S) C
9. Leody Taveras (S) CF

This lineup would be among the best in the league, and with the rotation the Texas Rangers have assembled, will help the team become a playoff contender.