Rangers getting swept by Phillies reveals Texas' overlooked trade deadline need

The Texas Rangers dropped to three games below .500 after being swept out of the City of Brotherly Love at the hands of the Philadelphia Phillies. The Rangers have hit a rough spot, and losing three straight games by a combined 15 runs certainly adds to their woes of late.

A lot of Rangers fans will point to the incredible number of injuries incurred by the pitching staff as to why this team has struggled so much. And there's definitely some truth in that, but the fact of the matter is that the Rangers averaged just three runs per game during series against the Phillies. Texas hasn't really had an offensive explosion since the doubleheader against the Oakland Athletics two weeks ago.

The Rangers are supposed to see several of their starters — Max Scherzer, Tyler Mahle, Cody Bradford, and Jacob deGrom — return to the rotation eventually. But the Rangers' bats (and defense) were the biggest reason for the team's collapse against the Phillies. If Texas is truly looking to defend its World Series championship, adding an extra bat or two at the MLB trade deadline may be in order.

Rangers getting swept by Phillies reveals Texas' overlooked trade deadline need

One of the top hitters available was already traded this season when the San Diego Padres swung a deal for Miami Marlins' infielder Luis Arráez. The two-time batting champion has been on base in every game he's played for the Friars this season and would have been a terrific addition to the Rangers lineup.

The Marlins could look to start a fire sale after parting company with Arráez. While several pitchers could be high on other teams' wishlists, the Rangers may want to take a peek at adding switch-hitting slugger Josh Bell. Outfielder Tyler O'Neill is another name to keep an eye on if the Boston Red Sox fall out of contention in the AL East.

There are others who'll be available before the July 30 deadline as well. The St. Louis Cardinals have a pair of infielders in Paul Goldschmidt and Nolan Arenado that could help bolster the Rangers lineup, and don't discount the idea that the Toronto Blue Jays would be willing to part with either Vladimir Guerrero Jr. or Bo Bichette.

The Rangers need to get healthy; that's first and foremost. But the team can't just hold out hope that a group of injured starters will get Texas back to their winning ways. Over the past 15 days, the Rangers rank dead-last in the American League in hits, doubles, batting average and runs scored. Something needs to change, and the Rangers front office may need to strike a trade in order to fix it.

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