Texas Rangers: Best & Worst Trade Deadline Deals Since 2000

Last month, the Texas Rangers made the first splash of the season by trading for seven-time all-star Aroldis Chapman. This is a move that has seemed to pay off, as the team's new co-closer has been dominant in his past five appearances. On Saturday, the 2019 AL Reliever of the Year recorded his first official save with Texas. It was his franchise-record 103MPH fastball that helped seal the deal.

Now, with the trade deadline less then two weeks away, the Rangers could be looking to add more depth to an already contending roster. Last week, our own West Jones discussed the possibility of Texas reuniting with pitcher Lance Lynn. Before that, Nolan Writin writer Michael Sanders explored the Rangers interest in outfielder Andrew McCutchen. Other names the team has been linked to include Chicago White Sox pitcher Lucas Giolito and Los Angeles Angels star Shohei Ohtani.

There is no doubt things could be heating up in Texas. But, before we continue to examine possible trade candidates for the Rangers, let's examine past trades.

Here are some of the best and worst trades in Rangers' history:

Best: 2007 Trade of Mark Teixeira

In 2001, the Rangers used their first round pick to select infielder Mark Teixeira. During his tenure in Texas, he made one all-star appearance, won the Silver Slugger Award (twice), and was presented with two Gold Glove Awards. The biggest impact though, came after the Rangers traded him. On July 31st, 2007 Texas traded Teixeira to the Atlanta Braves for catcher Jarrod Saltalamacchia and four prospects that included Elvis Andrus and Neftali Feliz. Andrus and Feliz became key parts of Rangers' history, as they played major roles in helping the team reach the 2010 and 2011 World Series.

Worst: The Shipment of Yu Darvish

Darvish became an integral part of Texas Rangers' history. In five seasons he became the team's dominating ace, helping Texas reach the playoffs in 2016. Seen as the cornerpiece of the future, he made three all-star appearances for Texas, and was the 2013 AL strikeout leader. However, with Darvish set to hit free agency in 2017, the team decided to pull the plug on the experiment. On July 31st, Texas shipped their ace to the Los Angeles Dodgers for prospects Willie Calhoun, A.J. Alexy, and Brendon Davis. This proved to be a crucial mistake, as later that season Darvish helped lead the Dodgers to the 2017 World Series. On the other end, Texas got a couple of good seasons from Calhoun before injuries and inconsistent play began to add up.

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.

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.