The Texas Rangers appear to be zeroing in on David Bednar and Ryan Helsley as potential bullpen upgrades ahead of the July 31 trade deadline. With just two days remaining, the question is no longer whether the Rangers will make a move—but how much they’re willing to give up to do so.
According to reports, the Rangers have expressed interest in Pittsburgh Pirates closer David Bednar and St. Louis Cardinals closer Ryan Helsley. The Pittsburgh Post-Gazette confirmed that Texas reached out about Bednar, while MLB.com’s Mark Feinsand identified them as one of the teams in on Helsley.
Dallas Morning News writer Evan Grant noted that the Rangers have had their eye on Bednar for some time. However, they passed on him last year due to both his struggles on the mound and the team’s uncertain playoff position. That’s changed now, as Bednar has rebounded in 2024 with a 2.37 ERA and 17 saves. Helsley, a two-time All-Star, has continued his strong form, posting a 3.00 ERA over 36 innings after leading MLB with 47 saves last season.
Grant also reported that the Rangers have talked with the Colorado Rockies about several of their bullpen arms, reinforcing how aggressively Texas is pursuing relief help.
Financially, the Rangers have some room to maneuver—they can add about $2 million in salary before reaching the $241 million luxury tax threshold. Helsley, a free agent at season’s end, is owed roughly $2.7 million for the rest of the year. Bednar, whose contract is cheaper at around $1.9 million for the remainder of 2024, is under team control through next season.
The challenge lies in the asking price. With Cleveland’s Emmanuel Clase removed from the trade market due to a gambling investigation and Baltimore’s Felix Bautista sidelined with a shoulder injury, the market for elite relievers has thinned—and prices are soaring. According to the Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, the Pirates are asking for at least a top-five prospect in any deal for Bednar.
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MLB Pipeline currently ranks the Rangers’ top five prospects as shortstop Sebastian Walcott, catcher Malcolm Moore, right-handers Alejandro Rosario and Winston Santos, and left-hander Kohl Drake.
Following a strong homestand that’s brought them back into Wild Card contention and within four games of the division-leading Houston Astros, the Rangers have positioned themselves as firm buyers. The next step is determining how much future value they’re willing to part with to boost their postseason chances now.
