Former GM confirms perfect trade deadline match for Rangers to fix shaky bullpen

The MLB 2026 trade deadline is just a day away, and Chris Young and company are no doubt keeping their phones close as they try to patch up the Texas Rangers as they fight for a postseason spot. Several areas of need should be addressed, but one is standing out above the rest as the deadline looms.

The Rangers could use back-end rotation help, a frontline catcher, and another strong right-handed bat, but the dearth of experienced right-handed middle relievers is a glaring hole that should be the team's top priority. Former GM and writer for The Athletic, Jim Bowden, has officially confirmed a name that we have been throwing out for over a week.

He believes that Young should work on a deal to get veteran reliever Huascar Brazoban of the New York Mets to Arlington to shore up what has been a very shaky bullpen - particularly when it comes to right-handers.

Jim Bowden links Rangers to "perfect" match with Huascar Brazoban of the Mets ahead of the trade deadline

The Mets have been known sellers as they currently sit in last place in the NL East, 16.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves. Despite their overall struggles, the Mets have an overabundance of prized middle relievers whom most believe they will look to trade for prime young, talented prospects.

While the crown jewel, Luke Weaver, is likely a bridge too far given the Rangers' budgetary restraints, the next-best option is sitting right there and could be the ideal fit for the pen in Huascar Brazoban.

Bowden likes Brazoban's electric stuff, citing in The Athletic for the New York Times that he, "averages better than 96 mph on his fastball...and has a solid pitch mix, with hitters batting below .200 against his sinker, changeup and four-seamer."

Brazoban's numbers back up Bowden's scouting take, as he currently has a 5-2 record, a tidy 2.61 ERA, and 1.00 WHIP over 51.2 innings. He is as durable as they come, with no fewer than 51.2 innings pitched every year since 2023. He is also making just over $1 million with three arbitration-eligible seasons after this season, so he is attractive from a player control perspective, too.

It seems as if Brazoban could be the Rangers guy, and though he is not the sexy big bat that makes more fans happy, he could be just what the 2026 iteration of this organization needs to either win the AL West or lock up a wild-card berth.

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