Texas Rangers: Best & Worst Trade Deadline Deals Since 2000

Best: Overhaul for Cole Hamels

Another trade that worked in favor for the Rangers was the acquisition of Cole Hamels. In a desperation move, Texas sent Matt Harrison, Nick Williams, Jorge Alfaro, Jake Thomson, Alec Asher, and Jerad Eickhoff to the Philadelphia Phillies for Hamels. This proved to work in Texas' favor as they sat two games under .500 before trading for Hamels. After his arrival, the team won the 2015 AL West crown and made back to back playoff appearances. In four seasons, he post a 24-21 record, and posted a .657 winning percentage. While his stay was short lived, he made a key impact he in helping the team become contenders once again.

7/17/16: Cole Hamels pitched 8 dominant IPs, & Texas stopped a four-game slide by topping the Cubs 4-1. Hamels (10-2) struck out his first six batters. He fanned seven overall & gave up just an unearned run on four hits. Sam Dyson struck out three in the ninth for his 19th save. pic.twitter.com/56gBIucp8K
— Texas Rangers Baseball History (@TxRangerHistory) July 17, 2023

Worst: Arrival of Matt Garza

On July 22, 2013, the Texas Rangers looked to add to their bullpen, as they traded for Chicago Cubs pitcher Matt Garza. The 2008 ALCS MVP proved to be the opposite of what Texas needed. In half a season, he posted a 4-5 record. He pitched in 13 games throwing just under 84.1 innings, while recording a 4.38 ERA. While Texas did not give up much in return for Garza, two of the players they traded away went on to be crowned 2016 World Series Champions. Pitchers Justin Grimm and Carl Edwards Jr. became major components of the Cubs 2016 playoff bullpen. Garza would go on to pitch his final game for Texas on September 26th, 2013, as he signed with the Milwaukee Brewers the year after.