Latest Rangers trade deadline buzz shockingly puts pitching stars on the block

The Texas Rangers' trade deadline outlook may have completely changed after being swept by the Houston Astros at Daikin Park this past weekend. The Rangers aren't out of the postseason race by any means, sitting 2 1/2 games back of the Astros for first place in the American League West and 1 1/2 games back of the Cleveland Guardians for the final American League Wild Card spot. However, it appears that president of baseball operations Chris Young is considering selling, as two notable pitchers are reportedly on the trade block.

According to MLB Network's Jon Morosi, the Rangers are willing to listen to offers on left-handers Jacob Latz and MacKenzie Gore before tonight's trade deadline.

Obviously, that doesn't mean Texas is 100% planning to trade the southpaws. As Morosi noted, neither is a pending free agent. Gore is under team control through 2027, and Latz has yet to hit arbitration.

Rangers would be selling low on MacKenzie Gore and high on Jacob Latz by trading them

The Rangers would be selling low on Gore by trading him. Texas surrendered a five-prospect package headlined by Gavin Fien to the Washington Nationals for the left-hander this past offseason. Since joining the Rangers, Gore has struggled mightily, posting a 4.77 ERA with a 1.26 WHIP in 122 2/3 innings across 23 starts. Despite his struggles, Gore has struck out 136 batters in his 122 2/3 innings and has a 3.80 WHIP, suggesting he has been better than his results. So unless the Rangers are blown away by an offer, the team should hold onto Gore.

Even though Latz is a reliever, the Rangers may be able to receive a better offer for him than for Gore. Latz, 30, represented Texas in the 2026 All-Star Game. He has become the lock-down closer Texas has desperately needed for several years, posting 2.2 bWAR and a 1.80 ERA with a 0.66 WHIP, 21 saves and 51 strikeouts in 50 innings across 40 appearances this season.

It seems doubtful that the Rangers will move on from Gore and Latz, but a desperate team may be willing to surrender an attractive haul of prospects for one of the left-handers. Latz is probably more likely to go, as Gore likely wouldn't garner a good enough return for the Rangers due to his struggles this year. Meanwhile, Latz is one of the best relievers in baseball with several years of control, so a club might extend the Rangers an offer for the closer that Texas cannot turn down.

It's a strange twist of fate that we're here now, where the club is willing to deal both for the right offer. Gore was supposed to be instrumental in the Rangers' return to prominence. Latz was an afterthought who lost the fifth starter battle to Kumar Rocker in spring training.

Just a few short months later, Gore might be Chris Young's biggest regret, while Latz might lead to the type of return that can transform Texas's bleak-looking future.

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