One potential fix to a Rangers big problem is officially off the table

The Rangers are currently 14-8 after losing last night against the Reds. The team has two major issues, outfield offensive production and late-inning bullpen relief. The Rangers have been mentioned as a destination for Bryan Reynolds since he submitted a trade request back in December before the Winter Meetings. Reynolds would help solve the outfield offensive production issue, but as of today, he is now off the table. Reynolds and the Pittsburgh Pirates came to an agreement on an 8-year and $106.75 million extension. Reynolds becomes the first player to sign a $100 million contract in Pirates history.

It was always a question whether Texas had enough to acquire Reynolds considering the price the Pirates placed on trading for Reynolds. If they did have enough to meet the Pirates demand would Chris Young damage the depth of the farm system to pull off the trade? It was widely thought unless Texas included Evan Carter in the trade that Pittsburgh would not agree to a trade.

Chris Young has not said this, but Evan Carter is probably the one prospect who is untouchable in a trade. Carter is off to a start that has him with a .378 batting average, three home runs, 15 RBI's, an a 1.125 OPS. He also has 13 walks to 11 strikeouts. If he continues this pace minor league analysts could easily move Carter into the top 10 of all prospects at the All-Star break. It should be easily seen why the Rangers would not want to include Carter and why the Pirates would demand that he is included.

Texas still needs help in the outfield. Robbie Grossman has been better in the last few days and Taveras has been on a hot streak in the last week. That doesn't include the reigning AL Player of the week Adolis Garcia. They have gotten some production so far from their outfield, but to get to the next level and be able to compete for the playoffs they need more reliable contributions from left field.

This is an issue for July, but who could possibly be out there if the Rangers are looking to acquire an outfielder. Here are three players who could be available to trade for at the deadline.

1. Luis Robert Jr

There is no indication that he is available or will be available. The White Sox though at 7-16 and in fourth place in the AL Central. If they fail to turn it around before July then talk of a rebuild will likely commence as this team has failed to meet its potential since making the playoffs in 2020 and 2021. The player who could bring the most back is Luis Robert Jr. He could command a haul close to what we saw in the Juan Soto trade last summer. He is just 25 years old and will turn 26 right after the trade deadline. He comes with team control as well. He signed a 6 year/$50 million contract in January 2020 that has two team option years in the end. If Texas exercises those options he would not become a free agent till after the 2027 season. It would take a lot to get him, but he plays center field, hits with power, and is still not in his prime yet. It would be worth it to engage with the White Sox to see what they are asking for their young superstar.