3 Rangers who need to be off the roster by the trade deadline

Addition by subtraction is a real thing, folks. The Texas Rangers can be a better team if they drop some of their excess baggage that is hanging like an albatross around their neck. There are several players currently on the roster who are simply taking up space and, more importantly, taking reps away from other players who could potentially improve the overall roster.

Chris Young and the Rangers front office need to start trimming the fat off this roster as they are now in first place by a game-and-a-half over the All-Star Break. Here are a handful of players who aren't carrying their weight and need to be shown the door by the trade deadline on August 3.

Three Rangers who need to be shown the door as Texas gears up for a playoff push

Chris Martin - RP

As much as we admire Martin's determination to continue playing, there comes a time when your body reaches a point of diminishing returns. Now 40, Martin has proven to be both injury-prone and ineffective when he's healthy. In 2026, he has posted a 9.00 ERA over 14 innings, and his last two outings have been disastrous.

The Rangers are desperate for right-handed relievers, but not so much that they will put just anyone who can throw 93 mph right down the middle out there in high-leverage situations. That's what they are getting from Martin these days. There are better options out there, and Chris Young is likely actively pursuing them ahead of the trade deadline.

Kyle Higashioka - C

Yes, Higgy hit a big home run against the Astros to tie the game at 5 in the bottom of the 8th that allowed the Rangers to walk it off in the 9th on Sunday, but he hasn't been particularly good either offensively or defensively this season. He is not a threat to gun down opposing base stealers, as most of his throws have ended up in centerfield instead of on the second-base bag.

Danny Jansen is on his way back, and it's not that he has been any better, but when you consider that Elias Diaz has come in and infused new energy behind the plate, there just isn't room for a .215-hitting backstop with average defensive skills. Plus, the Rangers have been linked to deadline targets like Dodgers catcher Dalton Rushing to improve at the position.

Evan Carter - OF

Rumors are swirling that the Rangers are refusing to send Carter down because it would indicate a systemic failure of their internal talent evaluation and scouting prowess. If that's the case, then we have just one thing to say to the front office: Get Over It!

2023 was a long time ago, and keeping Carter in the lineup is severely hampering this team's ability to score runs. He has been on a downward trajectory for two-and-a-half years now and is currently slashing .188/.302/.330. The team also would have us believe that his defense in center makes up for his shortcomings at the plate. But has Carter ever had an outfield assist? Can you remember him throwing a strike to any base to nail an opposing runner trying to stretch or score? We'll wait.

He may have good speed and range to track down fly balls, but he has a minus arm and can't hit lefties at all. It's time to move on from the feel-good story of the 2023 postseason and give that roster spot to someone who deserves it.

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