The Texas Rangers have several areas they could address before the MLB Trade Deadline. But one need continues to stand out even after taking three of four games from the Seattle Mariners.

It is the bullpen.

Texas needs additional high-leverage relievers capable of joining Jacob Latz and Jakob Junis in handling the most important innings down the stretch.

Latz owns a 1.84 ERA, 0.67 WHIP, and 20 saves in 49 innings across 39 appearances (one start). Junis has a 2.77 ERA. 1.08 WHIP, five saves, and 13 holds in 39 innings over 35 appearances (one start).

The bigger question is how the Rangers can acquire that help while operating within their preferred financial parameters.

Buster Olney from ESPN reported Sunday that Texas does not intend to take on significant salary at the trade deadline, despite sitting nearly $40 million below the first tier of the competitive balance tax.

“The Rangers are not expected to take on much payroll with their deadline acquisitions -- if any -- which could limit the range of options for them, unless their trade partners can absorb some of the salary costs of players going to Texas,” Olney wrote.

That puts additional pressure on president of baseball operations Chris Young to find affordable opportunities, something he has done successfully before.

The circumstances surrounding this deadline could complicate that process. Most teams have yet to determine whether they will buy or sell, while the possibility of a lockout after the season has also made many organizations reluctant to add payroll.

One potential opportunity could emerge with the Miami Marlins.

Miami has lost 12 of its last 13 games, significantly damaging its postseason chances and potentially pushing president of baseball operations Peter Bendix toward selling several players before the deadline.

If that happens, right-handed reliever Anthony Bender fits the profile Texas should be seeking.

Bender generates plenty of strikeouts despite not relying on overpowering stuff. His medical evaluation would be important for any interested team because he underwent Tommy John surgery three years ago. However, he has pitched extremely well for Miami this season.

The right-hander has a 2.62 ERA and 0.96 WHIP, two saves, and eight holds in 34.1 innings across 35 appearances this season. He has recorded 41 strikeouts against 12 walks.

Bender could provide another late-inning option alongside Latz and Junis and give the Rangers greater flexibility when protecting leads.

His contract situation makes him particularly appealing given Texas’ apparent financial restrictions. The Rangers would only assume the remaining portion of his $2.81 million salary while also controlling his rights for another season.

For a team searching for bullpen help without making a major financial commitment, that combination could make Bender one of the more logical targets available.

Bender’s effectiveness comes from more than pure velocity. He attacks hitters with confidence, trusts his repertoire, and has developed the ability to generate uncomfortable at-bats without needing overwhelming raw stuff.

That approach can translate particularly well into high-leverage situations, where execution and composure become increasingly important. His willingness to challenge hitters also gives managers another option when navigating the difficult middle of an opposing lineup.

His recovery from Tommy John surgery also speaks to the persistence required to rebuild a career after a major setback.

Returning from that procedure demands patience, discipline, and constant refinement of mechanics and preparation. Bender has demonstrated those qualities while reestablishing himself as a dependable bullpen option.

For Texas, his appeal would come from the combination of reliability, affordability, and flexibility.

He would not need to arrive as the unquestioned closer. Instead, he could strengthen the bridge to the ninth inning. He would give the Rangers another trusted arm for situations in which a postseason game could turn on only a handful of pitches.

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