This is the trait the Rangers should prioritize when targeting bats

There's a reason that RBIs are one of the three stats that you see when a hitter comes to the plate up on the Jumbotron or on television. They matter! In recent years, with the evolution of all these advanced metrics, some have forgotten that driving in runs is actually a key aspect of winning games. Go figure, right? The Texas Rangers have some big names on offense, but things haven't always come together the way they've hoped.

The Rangers' offense has lagged behind the pitching this season. It's becoming a problem as the team tries to move out of the crowd in the American League and emerge as true contenders. With that in mind, the Rangers, who are in the bottom third of the league in scoring, should be actively looking for players who can come up big in RISP situations.

Leaving runners stranded on base is the real issue plaguing the Rangers' offense

Texas ranks 14th in on-base percentage (.319), 20th in SLG (.391), and 17th in wRC+ (100). By those marks, they should be a hair below average offensively. However, there's a problem.

At 27%, your Texas Rangers rank dead last in the league in runners who come around to score once they get on base. They rank 25th out of 30 in total runs scored with 330. It is a continuation of a problem that they have had since 2023, when they were one of the most successful run-scoring teams in the league.

Whether they emphasize small-ball or home run ball, they have a difficult time cashing in with ducks on the pond. For that reason, they should be looking strictly at players who have shown the ability to drive in runs if they are going to be buyers at the trade deadline.

Some guys who could be available who fit that description include the Red Sox's Willson Contreras, who has 45 RBI and is consistently among the best in the league at driving in runs. Also, CJ Abrams of the Washington Nationals would fit the bill as he has tallied an impressive 57 RBIs at the midway point playing the shortstop position.

Byron Buxton is listed by ESPN's Jeff Passan as an ideal fit for the Rangers, as the Twins are likely going to be sellers. Buxton is a tremendous athlete with awesome power. He has 38 RBIs, but that is with a Twins team for which he typically hits either leadoff or in the 2-hole. He could be a long-term option if and when the organization gives up on Evan Carter.

Another player who would look good in the middle of the Ranger lineup driving in runs is catcher Dillon Dingler, who, despite playing on an offensively challenged Detroit Tigers squad, has delivered 57 RBIs in just 272 at-bats. Good for fourth in the entire league. Dingler also addresses a position of need as the Rangers' backstops have all struggled defensively and haven't been big run-producers.

And if Rangers fans could stomach welcoming a Houston Astro to Globe Life Field, first baseman Christian Walker would be an attractive option, as he is on pace for 104 RBIs this season. And even though Jake Burger has been solid recently, his inability to hit right-handed pitching will catch up with the team at some point.

The thing that all these players have in common, other than knocking in runs, is that they are likely going to be available as trade chips at the deadline, to one degree or another.

Keep an eye out for who Chris Young and the front office are targeting if they remain in a position to buy at the deadline, because these RBI machines should be the players they are making calls about.

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