Rangers forced to pivot after losing trade partner following Bellinger, Goldschmidt deals

Few teams have been more active this offseason than the Texas Rangers, who have quietly done a solid job of addressing their roster needs. Sure, there's plenty more to be done, but they signed Kyle Higashioka and Jacob Webb, traded for Jake Burger and brought back Nathan Eovaldi all within a week or so.

The addition of Burger is particularly interesting, as it paved the way for the Rangers to facilitate the exit of Nathaniel Lowe.To date, Lowe has topped out at 27 home runs (2022) but his SLG has hit new career-lows in each of the past two seasons. This ended up being a concern of the Rangers, who can use all the pop they can get.

This reality forced Lowe to the trading block; Texas shipped him to Washington on Sunday, seemingly asserting their belief that his power is slowly going the way of the dodo. Add in the fact that the Rangers' lack of a television deal for 2025 has them feeling a bit strapped for cash, and Lowe's $10.7 million projected arbitration number became a bit too rich for their liking.

But, before Washington came calling, Lowe certainly seemed like a fit for the Yankees, a team flush with the pitching depth Texas has long sought. Who knows how things would've shaken out, but the Yankees probably could've given the Rangers a stronger offer than left-hander Robert Garcia. If only the two sides could've met a week ago.

Yankees no longer a Rangers trade fit after acquiring Cody Bellinger

Lowe still has a ton of value. Power dip be damned, he still has 15-20 home run potential and he fields his position at first base with the best of them.

Just recently, one club that absolutely could've used someone like Lowe was the New York Yankees, who had a glaring need at first base after moving on from Anthony Rizzo this offseason and receiving less-than-stellar production from rookie Ben Rice in 2024.

However, the Yankees just made their move. Earlier this week, the club landed Cody Bellinger from the Chicago Cubs, an outfielder by trade, but one who also has extensive experience at first base. The Yankees then signed Paul Goldschmidt to cover first base for 2025, keeping long-term flexibility.

There was a way that Lowe and Burger could've co-existed in the Rangers lineup. Burger is a third baseman by trade, but he also has experience at first base. Texas' front office disagreed, though,feeling like the pressure was on. The Rangers sold high, but not as high as they could've if the Yankees had still been interested.