Only a few years ago, teams throughout MLB were studying how the Texas Rangers captured the 2023 World Series. The Rangers have since returned to taking notes themselves.

The Tampa Bay Rays and Milwaukee Brewers have been playing in the World Series since Friday. It is an unusual matchup between two small market teams at a time when MLB owners and the MLB Players Association are fighting over the financial future of the sport.

While those sides attempt to divide billions of dollars, Tampa Bay and Milwaukee are pursuing the first World Series title in their respective franchise histories.

The Rangers should pay close attention. President of baseball operations Chris Young wants his roster to become younger and more athletic, which likely means making it less expensive.

Tampa Bay and Milwaukee have constructed winning teams despite operating with limited budgets. That approach also means neither organization can retain every player indefinitely.

Neither team has many players entering free agency after the season. However, one Rays infielder could become an ideal addition to Texas for 2027.

Gavin Lux could be a worthwhile flier for the Rangers or another team searching for dependable help at second base.

Lux did not play during the 2026 season because of a left shoulder injury. However, Tampa Bay still included him on its World Series roster, meaning he would receive a ring if the Rays win the series.

During the 2025 season with the Cincinnati Reds, Lux hit .269/.350/.374 with five home runs, 53 RBIs and a .724 OPS in 140 games.

He is a career .256 hitter in 552 games with the Los Angeles Dodgers and Reds. Lux does not provide significant power, but his career .332 OBP represents something Texas wants to add to its lineup.

Ezequiel Durán will likely enter Opening Day as the Rangers’ starting second baseman. However, Texas could prefer to continue using Durán as its super-utility player rather than committing him to one position.

If the Rangers want to create competition at second base, signing Lux to a one-year contract at a bargain price would allow him to compete with Cody Freeman and Justin Foscue for the starting job.

Lux would bring patience and lineup flexibility to Texas. His willingness to work counts and reach base could help a lineup that needs more hitters capable of extending innings without relying exclusively on power.

His experience with multiple organizations would also help him handle an uncertain role. Lux would not arrive with a guaranteed starting position, making his willingness to compete and adapt particularly important.

The shoulder injury creates legitimate uncertainty, but a short agreement would limit the financial risk. It would also give Lux an opportunity to reestablish himself after missing an entire season.

For Texas, the appeal would be straightforward. Lux could compete at second base, support Durán’s continued versatility and give the Rangers another left-handed option without requiring a substantial commitment.