A long-term MLB insider believes the Texas Rangers will be aggressive at the Trade Deadline.
The MLB Trade Deadline is only a few days away, and many rumors are circulating about which players will or won't be traded.
There have also been reports that teams could make big-time moves as they hope to make a strong postseason push, attempt to dethrone the Los Angeles Dodgers, and potentially become world champions.
According to ESPN MLB insider Jeff Passan, the Texas Rangers are among the teams expected to be aggressive.
Passan made the statement on the "The Pat McAfee Show" on Friday while discussing how open the American League has been this season, especially as the New York Yankees lineup has struggled with injuries.
The Rangers are 55-54 and, heading into the critical weekend series, cling to first place in the AL West over the Houston Astros by one game. They are also holding off the Seattle Mariners, who are in third place. Texas, though, fell a half-game behind the Astros after they picked up a win on Friday night,
Texas was mentioned alongside other division leaders and contenders, including the Tampa Bay Rays, Chicago White Sox, and Boston Red Sox.
Passan also stated earlier in the week that the Rangers are the best fit for the San Francisco Giants' second baseman Luis Arraez. The Giants are expected to be among the biggest sellers at the trade deadline, even though they lack financial flexibility.
This week, Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic also reported that the Rangers are among the teams pursuing left fielder Taylor Ward.
The assumed aggression suggests they believe a deep run in the AL this season is possible with one or two key contributors.
While the 2023 World Series champions could bring on a key player on a rental basis, it's clear the franchise wants to return to playing meaningful baseball in October.
The fact that the Rangers haven't returned to the postseason since winning that World Series title is also enough to make them go all in on improving the team.
Before the Rangers consider who they may acquire at the deadline, they must focus on the pivotal weekend series against the Astros.
With the two teams so close, the winner of the series walks away with control of the division and, if necessary, the tiebreaker during the final stretches of the season.
This weekend, paired with Monday's deadline, could be a turning point for the Rangers' season. If they are able to get the best of their division rival and trade for a solid piece, they become even more dangerous for the remainder of the season.
