Home Baseball Chris Young hints at Rangers’ trade deadline plans: some decisions to make after five games back in the American League West

Chris Young hints at Rangers’ trade deadline plans: some decisions to make after five games back in the American League West

Baseball — 07/24/2024

With the Texas Rangers trailing by five games in the American League West and the MLB trade deadline just over a week away, general manager Chris Young faces some critical decisions. 

In a radio interview on Monday, he gave a glimpse into the potential direction the team might take.

“It’s my responsibility to evaluate both the current situation and the future, making decisions that benefit the franchise not only for this year but also for 2025 and beyond,” Young told 105.3 The Fan, as reported by Shawn McFarland of the Dallas Morning News. 

“We’ve invested significant time preparing for various scenarios at the deadline. This upcoming series is crucial in assessing our position and our potential as a team.”

There are a few ways to interpret this. One possibility is that it amounts to very little. Essentially, Young is conveying that he wants the Rangers to be competitive both this season and in the future—something every general manager aspires to.Texas Rangers starting pitcher Nathan Eovaldi (17) reacts during the seventh inning against the San Diego Padres at Globe Life Field.

Additionally, Young’s comments about the future beyond the next few months suggest a focus that might not align with a GM who is confident about the team’s immediate prospects for repeating as World Series champions.

Given the expanded playoffs, which keep more teams in contention, general managers might opt for a more cautious approach. This could involve trading players with expiring contracts to manage payroll, acquiring a few prospects, and addressing specific roster needs. The Rangers might be in a position to pursue such a strategy.

If the Rangers choose to fully enter sell mode, Nathan Eovaldi would likely be their most valuable and realistic trade asset. With Max Scherzer indicating that he does not intend to waive his no-trade clause, Eovaldi stands out as the next best option for teams seeking to strengthen their pitching rotation.

Eovaldi has posted a 3.36 ERA and a 1.071 WHIP over 99 innings this season. Additionally, he has a $20 million vesting option for 2025, which requires him to pitch 67 more innings to trigger. If he stays healthy, this option could become a factor.