The Texas Rangers have several areas they could address before the MLB Trade Deadline, but relief pitching continues to stand above the rest as the organization’s biggest need.

Even after taking three of four games from the Seattle Mariners recently, Texas still lacks the type of bullpen depth needed for a deep postseason run.

That’s why the Rangers traded for Los Angeles Angels reliever Chase Silseth. The move also brought them catcher Logan O’Hoppe.

Even with Silseth on board, Texas still needs additional high-leverage relievers capable of joining Jacob Latz and Jakob Junis in handling the most important innings down the stretch.

Latz has anchored the back end of the bullpen, posting a 1.80 ERA, a 0.66 WHIP, and 21 saves in 50 innings across 40 appearances (one start). Junis has also provided dependable production with a 2.70 ERA, a 1.08 WHIP, five saves, and 14 holds in 40 innings over 36 appearances (one start).

Even with those contributions, adding another versatile arm remains one of the Rangers’ biggest priorities before the Aug. 3 deadline.

The challenge is finding the right fit while staying within the organization’s preferred financial limits.

One pitcher who could help is Atlanta Braves right-hander JR Ritchie.

Ritchie has worked as both a starter and reliever this season. That versatility could be especially valuable for a Rangers team looking to strengthen multiple areas of its pitching staff without making separate additions.

According to Jesús Cano from The Athletic, Ritchie made his MLB debut this season and has moved between Triple-A and MLB throughout the year.

Cano noted that he features a six-pitch repertoire led by his curveball, but command has been an issue, with Ritchie walking hitters at a 14 percent rate. Cano also suggested that the right organization could help the young right-hander unlock another level of his potential.

“Ritchie made his MLB debut this season, and has shuttled between Triple A and the majors through the year. He has a six-pitch mix, with his curveball leading the way, but has struggled with command, as he’s walked batters 14 percent of the time. He is just 22, and the right organization could help him elevate his game,” Cano wrote.

Ritchie has a 4.50 ERA and 1.41 WHIP in 54 innings over 13 appearances (seven starts) this season.

His ability to work in multiple roles could make him an appealing option for Texas.

Rather than being limited strictly to late-inning relief, Ritchie could provide spot starts when necessary while also contributing out of the bullpen. This would give manager Skip Schumaker another flexible pitching option throughout the remainder of the season.

That type of versatility becomes increasingly valuable during a postseason race, when injuries, doubleheaders, and heavy bullpen usage often force teams to adjust their pitching plans on short notice.

Ritchie remains one of the younger pitchers in MLB, giving him considerable room for development.

His willingness to attack hitters with multiple pitches reflects confidence in his repertoire. And his experience moving between starting and relieving demonstrates an adaptability many organizations value.

Young pitchers capable of embracing different responsibilities often become important contributors because they allow managers greater flexibility when constructing pitching staffs.

Although command remains an area for improvement, those issues are not uncommon for pitchers still adjusting to MLB competition. Refining command is often one of the final developmental steps for talented young arms with quality stuff.

For Texas, Ritchie would represent more than a short-term bullpen addition. His versatility, youth, and long-term upside could allow him to contribute immediately. It would also give the Rangers another controllable pitcher capable of filling several different roles in future seasons.

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