💣 Rangers Stun MLB With Predicted Blockbuster Deal for 2 Cardinals Stars

The Texas Rangers have been on an impressive tear throughout the month of July, displaying a level of play that has energized their fanbase and put them firmly in the hunt for a playoff spot. Currently holding a record of 56 wins and 52 losses, the Rangers find themselves just a single game behind the final American League Wild Card position, which puts them within striking distance of postseason contention.

In addition to closing the gap in the Wild Card race, Texas has also significantly narrowed the deficit in the highly competitive American League West division. They now sit only five games behind the division-leading Houston Astros, a feat that highlights how much momentum the Rangers have built recently. Despite this encouraging position, the team recognizes that there are still some key areas on the roster that need shoring up as the MLB trade deadline rapidly approaches.

One of the most pressing needs for the Rangers is to bolster their bullpen. Relief pitchers are always in high demand as the trade deadline nears, and securing dependable late-inning arms could make all the difference in their push for the playoffs. According to Joel Reuter of Bleacher Report, the Rangers are expected to make a significant move, potentially orchestrating a blockbuster trade with the St. Louis Cardinals to bring in proven relievers Ryan Helsley and Phil Maton.

Reuter points out that while Texas currently boasts one of the best bullpens in baseball—boasting a 3.25 ERA that ranks just behind the San Diego Padres’ impressive 3.03 ERA—they have struggled to consistently close out games. The Rangers have converted only 27 of their 45 save opportunities so far this season, a statistic that underscores the need to strengthen their late-inning pitching.

Adding Helsley and Maton to the mix would provide a substantial boost. Helsley has appeared in 36 games this season, accumulating 21 saves with a solid 3.00 ERA and striking out batters at a rate of 10.3 per nine innings. Maton has also been impressive in 40 appearances, earning 20 holds with a 2.35 ERA and an even higher strikeout rate of 11.3 per nine innings. If acquired, these two relievers would join forces with existing bullpen arms Robert Garcia, Shawn Armstrong, and Hoby Milner, giving the Rangers a formidable and deep group to close out games down the stretch.

Both Helsley and Maton have performed at a high level for the Cardinals this season, making them valuable assets. As a result, St. Louis has understandably set a steep asking price for these two key relievers. However, the Rangers are in a position where they can realistically part with some of their top prospects, thanks to a strong farm system, in order to improve their bullpen and make a serious push in the final weeks of the season.

The momentum has shifted in Texas’ favor, as their recent hot streak has transformed them from potential sellers into buyers at the trade deadline. On the other hand, the Cardinals’ performance has cooled off, signaling that they may be more inclined to trade away key pieces in the coming days to prepare for the future.

It will be intriguing to watch whether the Rangers can meet the Cardinals’ high demands and successfully acquire both Helsley and Maton, two of the most coveted relievers available, to bolster their bullpen as they strive for a deep postseason run.