Rangers News: Corey Seager trade rumors, Brody Bumila signing, Jacob Latz's new swagger and more

The Texas Rangers head into the All-Star break flying high after winning the rubber game against the rival Houston Astros to further secure their lead in the AL West. The Rangers have a 1.5-game lead over the Seattle Mariners (3 games up on the Astros) and are currently the only team with a winning record in the division.

Most of the club will get a nice little breather over the course of the next few days, but before the Midsummer Classic gets underway, there are a few nuggets of news and notes that are worth exploring.

MLB insider's Corey Seager trade rumor makes no sense for the Rangers

Corey Seager last "played" on June 30, but in reality, he never appeared in the game as Cameron Cauley pinch hit for him in the top of the first. The last time we actually saw Seager take the field was on June 28. The superstar shortstop's three IL stints and pitiful .182/.292/.374 line, as well as his bloated salary, have fueled plenty of trade rumors with the August 3 deadline approaching.

But over the weekend, Bob Nightengale of USA Today gave us a different spin. He claims that the Rangers "could be interested in trading shortstop Corey Seager this winter," while also citing how far Seager's trade value has fallen. Perhaps he's trying to say that Texas is hoping for a big second half that will allow them to more easily escape the contract over the offseason.

There's just one problem. Seager has a limited no-trade clause now that allows him to veto a deal to eight specific teams. If the Rangers don't trade him at the deadline, he'll gain the ability to block any and all trades by season's end by virtue of finishing the year in Arlington, thus acquiring 10-5 rights. Any player with 10 years of service time, who has been with his current club for at least five seasons, gets a full no-trade clause.

That doesn't mean it's impossible to trade Seager this offseason, but Chris Young would need Seager's permission, and the star shortstop could essentially dictate his next home. That doesn't seem likely.

Rangers draft steal Brody Bumila puts signability concerns to bed

In the third round of the 2026 MLB draft, the Rangers selected Brody Bumila, who may prove to be the steal of the draft. The 18-year-old hurler stands at a freakish six-foot-nine, 255 pounds, and fires fastballs with his left hand that can reach 101 miles per hour. Long regarded as a first-round talent, Bumila fell to pick 89 due to concerns over an injury to his UCL, which will require a second surgery on his left elbow.

That led some to worry that the prep star wouldn't sign and instead would follow through with his commitment to the University of Texas in hopes of returning to first-round status in future years. Those fears can be put to bed as Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News reports that Bumila intends to sign with the Rangers.

If that wasn't good enough, Rangers fans should be thrilled with the mentality he brings to the mound. No fear and high octane velocity from an intimidating presence, as long as he can stay healthy, the sky is the limit for this kid.

Rangers All-Star closer Jacob Latz debuted the perfect new walk-out song on Sunday

Jacob Latz's evolution from fifth starter fodder to dominant closer has been one of the most important storylines for Texas in 2026. The Rangers would truly be up a creek if not for their lone All-Star representative.

Latz didn't let preparing for his trip to Philadelphia get in the way of coming up big for the Rangers again yesterday, coming into the ninth inning of a tie game and holding Houston down so that Brandon Nimmo could come up in the bottom of the frame and walk it off for the Rangers. When Latz took the mound, there was something noticeably different -- his choice in walkout music.

Hip-hop heads of a certain age have enjoyed Latz's old walk-out song, "Mass Appeal" by Gang Starr, for the majority of the season, but his new track selection might be perfection. In keeping with his affinity for mid-90s rap classics, Latz is now coming out to the seminal "Shook Ones, Part II" by Mobb Deep. Hitters have certainly been shook by Latz, who has allowed a ridiculous .125 batting average against and a razor-thin 0.67 WHIP on the season.

The Rangers have no shortage of hurlers willing to step up while key arms continue their road back

While Latz was vital to the Rangers' effort to close out the series against the Astros with a victory, it wouldn't have been possible without a solid effort from MacKenzie Gore on short rest. With Jacob deGrom scratched due to a hip/glute injury, Gore threw four solid innings of one-run ball to partially protect a Texas bullpen that is currently relying on five rookies.

Gore has had an inconsistent and pretty disappointing first half, but he has stepped up when the Rangers needed him the most, with yesterday's outing being his third on short rest of the year. The southpaw wasn't the only Texas starter to volunteer to pick up the slack, though.

Per Skip Schumaker, Nathan Eovaldi also volunteered to start the game. The 36-year-old just came off a six-inning 10-strikeout gem on July 9 against the Los Angeles Angels, meaning he would have been going on even less rest than Gore, who pitched on July 8. It would've been misguided to hand Eovaldi the ball, but you can't say that he hasn't earned the nickname "Big Game Nate."

Speaking of the rotation, reinforcements are getting closer. Jordan Montgomery made his fourth rehab start yesterday, going four innings for Round Rock. He allowed one run on four hits, no walks, and recorded a strikeout while throwing 52 pitches and showing improved velocity, coming in at 92.3 miles per hour. He should be close to a return.

At the same time, Cody Bradford kicked off his rehab assignment by pitching one inning, which was by design, for Frisco. He was only scheduled for the one frame, but struggled, landing just seven of his 21 pitches for strikes. Still, it's encouraging to see him back out there as he works his way back.

Finally, we're not out of the woods with Jacob deGrom, but it is encouraging that he will go through his normal throwing progression this week and could throw a bullpen session either Friday or Saturday. His injury coming just before the All-Star break is a blessing in disguise and might help him avoid landing on the IL.

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