Rangers make first trade deadline deal and acquire catcher in midst of career year

The Texas Rangers have quite a bit to address at this year's trade deadline if they plan to defend their 2023 World Series title successfully, but the catching position has been a particular burden for them this season.

Jonah Heim has taken a step back with his .234 average and .627 OPS in 90 games. Last year, Texas had the luxury of plugging in Mitch Garver when they needed to, but he departed for Seattle. Andrew Knizner has filled that role, but the experiment has been rather unsuccessful.

That's why the Rangers went out and got another reliable backstop in Carson Kelly via a trade with the Detroit Tigers on Sunday night. Perhaps we can safely say the Rangers are buying to keep their 2024 hopes alive?

Fans might've thought otherwise because the sweep of the White Sox was followed by Texas getting swept by the Blue Jays, but the Rangers remain just 4.5 games out of the AL West lead and six games out of a Wild Card spot.

Rangers News: Carson Kelly acquired via trade with Detroit Tigers

The Rangers sent two minor leaguers to Detroit in the deal: catcher Liam Hicks and right-hander pitcher Tyler Owens. Neither are in the Rangers' top-30, per MLB Pipeline, so it appears it was a low-leverage upgrade for Texas.

There's yet to be a corresponding move announced, but we can assume Knizner will be designated for assignment in short order — likely before Monday's game against the St. Louis Cardinals. Kelly offers greater upside on both sides of the ball.

Across 59 games in 2024, Kelly is hitting .242 with a .720 OPS and 101 OPS+. He's also logged a 0.5 dWAR behind the plate and ranks in the top percentile for blocks above average, caught stealing above average, and fielding run value.

The trade deadline picture would've been much more clear had the Rangers not gotten swept, but Kelly's in a contract year so we can safely assume Chris Young and the front office are looking for players who can help out right now.