MLB Trade Rumors top trade candidates foreshadow an AL West transformation Rangers must capitalize on

The American League West was easily the worst division in baseball this year. One could argue it was the worst division of all time. The Houston Astros won the West with an 81-81 record, the lowest mark ever for a postseason team. The Texas Rangers finished the season just one game behind Houston with an 80-82 record.

2026 AL West standings

• 1. Houston Astros (81-81)
• 2. Texas Rangers (80-82)
• 3. Seattle Mariners (76-86)
• 4. Athletics (64-98)
• 5. Los Angeles Angels (62-100)

The Astros were completely outmatched by the Chicago White Sox in the American League Wild Card round, getting swept 2-0 at Daikin Park.

As bad as the AL West was this year, it might get even worse next year. MLB Trade Rumors recently published a list of the top 40 trade candidates this offseason. Four of the top five players and six of the top 10 are with AL West teams. None of them are with the Rangers.

MLB Trade Rumors lists Los Angeles Angels left-hander Reid Detmers (No.1) and shortstop Zach Neto (No. 3) as top trade candidates. The list also includes Seattle Mariners right-handers George Kirby (No. 4) and Emerson Hancock (No. 5). Additionally, Houston Astros third baseman Isaac Paredes (No. 8) and first baseman Christian Walker (No. 9) are among the top 10.

Rangers need to capitalize on being in weak AL West in 2027

If many of those players are indeed traded this offseason, the Rangers must capitalize by investing in their roster to win the division in 2027.

The Astros have already made major personnel changes, parting ways with general manager Dana Brown midseason and manager Joe Espada this offseason. Based on MLB Trade Rumors' list of top trade candidates, the team may not be done making major moves. Houston has hired Randy Flores as its new GM, and while it searches for a new manager, top candidates like Brad Ausmus have drawn criticism from the fanbase.

As for the Mariners, the team reached Game 7 of the ALCS in 2025 before this year's disappointing season. It's also worth noting that key Mariners outfielder Randy Arozarena is now a free agent, and he reportedly wants to play on the East Coast.

With the Mariners and Astros appearing set for mini rebuilds, the Angels hope to escape their own rebuild soon. Los Angeles is finally under new ownership, which is good news for the organization, which hasn't made the postseason since 2014. However, the Angels are likely still a long way from contending.

Los Angeles also needs to find a new GM and manager, and the sale to Stan Kroenke won't close until early 2027. There's some thought that they could take a step back and undergo a full-on rebuild, hence the inclusion of Detmers and Neto on the list.

Then there is the Athletics. The Athletics have a formidable offense when healthy, but they lack consistent pitching. It's hard to imagine they will be competitive any time soon. Their owner, John Fisher, is one of the cheapest in the game, and it's highly unlikely we'll see any significant spending from them in order to flesh out the pitching staff. That could change once the franchise moves to Las Vegas, but that's not coming until 2028.

With the rest of the division either far from contending or on the verge of a rebuild, the Rangers have a golden opportunity to make the playoffs in 2027 (if there is a 2027 season). The question will be: does Ray Davis have the stomach required to spend what's necessary to build a true contender, or will he cheap out and keep the cycle of mediocrity going?

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