Two new names emerge as top target for Rangers in search for bullpen help

While the Texas Rangers still haven't made any moves, POBO Chris Young is still expected to go out and at least get some relief help. The question, especially as several relief pitchers have already come off the market, is just who Young might target. As it turns out, two new names, Hunter Harvey and Phil Maton, surfaced this morning.

Ken Rosenthal posted on The Athletic on Thursday that the Rangers might have zeroed in on their deadline targets. The writer said that Texas would also love to go after the Pittsburgh Pirates' David Bednar, but the asking price for him is far too steep. There is also a possibility that they might end up pursuing Colorado Rockies reliever Jake Bird.

Texas Rangers reportedly taking aim at pair of Missouri relievers

Bird appears to be a Plan C, and Maton and Harvey would count as Plan A and Plan B, or packaged as Plan A for the Texas Rangers.

One would certainly hope that the team isn't putting all its eggs in Harvey's basket. The Kansas City Royals reliever is on a one-year, $3.7 million deal and has missed most of the season due to a teres major strain suffered in April, and was only activated last week.

It's possible that injury could reduce the asking price for a reliever who has been good when healthy. In 7.2 innings this year over nine games, he has struck out seven, not walked anyone, and hasn't allowed a run. He has a career 3.16 ERA and 3.19 FIP in 182 innings, all in relief.

St. Louis Cardinals pitcher Maton is having a career-best season, putting up a 2.35 ERA and 2.49 FIP in 38.1 IP over 40 appearances, with a 2.55 xERA. His K rate is at 30.4% this year, the best mark of his career other than the truncated 2020 season, and he has allowed just one homer.

As of this writing, there are about six hours left until the deadline, and the Texas Rangers haven't made a move yet. It stands to reason Young is turning over every stone possible and trying to make sure he gets the absolute best deal for his club.