The Texas Rangers are making a strong push back into the AL Wild Card race thanks to outstanding starting pitching, though struggles in the bullpen and a sluggish offense may force them to make key moves at the trade deadline.
After starting July with a 41-44 record and poor results within the division (2-5 vs. Oakland, 3-2 vs. Houston, 3-0 vs. Los Angeles, and 2-7 vs. Seattle), the Rangers have turned things around. Over their next 21 games, they’ve gone 15-6—capped by a 9-1 stretch in their last 10 contests—including a 7-3 mark this month against AL West opponents.
Texas Rangers Playoff Push
Through 106 games, the Texas Rangers lead all of Major League Baseball with a 3.18 ERA. Jacob deGrom has reclaimed his ace form in his third season with Texas, posting a 10-2 record with a 2.28 ERA, 0.90 WHIP, and logging 118.1 innings. Nathan Eovaldi, despite missing about a month, is enjoying a career-best year at age 35, going 8-3 with a stellar 1.50 ERA, 0.88 WHIP, and 101 strikeouts across 96 innings.
Earlier in the season, Tyler Mahle delivered a breakout stretch, going 6-3 with a 2.34 ERA and 56 strikeouts over 77 innings. However, he’s been sidelined since June 10 with a right shoulder injury. The Rangers are optimistic about his return for the final six weeks of the regular season.
While Texas ranks third in bullpen ERA (3.25), the relief corps has been unreliable, posting a league-worst 15-24 record (38.4% win rate). The bullpen has recorded 27 saves, 60 holds, and 18 blown saves, while ranking 24th in strikeouts (337 in 377 innings).
Offensively, the team has fallen short of expectations. They’re 23rd in runs scored (429), 18th in home runs (111), 24th in RBIs (412), and fourth in stolen bases (98). Their .299 on-base percentage ranks 27th, grouped with some of the league’s worst offenses like the Pirates, White Sox, Royals, Guardians, and Rockies.
The roster features a mix of veterans and young players, but both groups have yet to fully click. Corey Seager remains the offensive centerpiece, while prospects Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter are seen as the franchise’s future. The Rangers are hoping to get Jake Burger back soon, and Joc Pederson just rejoined the lineup. Given their financial commitments, Texas may have little choice but to ride with their current offensive core and hope they heat up in time.
To contend deep into October, the Rangers must identify a trustworthy third starter for their playoff rotation and strengthen their late-inning bullpen options.
Jon Gray’s return adds a key veteran arm, potentially more valuable in a high-leverage relief role. In his first outing since coming off the IL (forearm), Gray gave up just one run on two hits over five innings with a strikeout. He also impressed during his rehab stint in Triple-A, posting a 3.18 ERA, 1.15 WHIP, and six strikeouts in 5.2 innings.
Texas Rangers – San Francisco Giants MLB Mock Trade
Texas Rangers Receive:
Ryan Walker
San Francisco Giants Receive:
Jon Gray
Cole Winn
My top trade deadline target for the Rangers is Ryan Walker. While many teams are likely to pursue David Bednar, Walker represents a high-upside bullpen arm who could be acquired at a more reasonable cost. In 2024, he was outstanding—posting a 10-4 record with a 1.91 ERA, a 0.850 WHIP, 99 strikeouts, and 10 saves across 80 innings. While he’s walking a few more hitters this season (2.6 BB/9) and his strikeout rate has dipped slightly (8.9 K/9), his 1.104 WHIP suggests he’s pitched better than his inflated 4.32 ERA indicates.
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As for the Giants, if they want to stay in the Wild Card race, they need to address the back of their rotation. Things unraveled after dealing Kyle Harrison, and Haydon Birdsong has struggled mightily in his last five outings—allowing 20 runs and 36 baserunners in 17.1 innings, largely due to poor command (18 walks). He did show promise in his first AAA start, surrendering just one run over four innings with four strikeouts.
Adding to their concerns, veteran Justin Verlander is having a rough season (1-8 with a 4.70 ERA, 1.49 WHIP, and 70 strikeouts over 84.1 innings). That gives San Francisco three question marks in their rotation. Even if Birdsong bounces back, they clearly need at least one reliable starter.
I propose Texas trades Jon Gray and Cole Winn to San Francisco for Ryan Walker. Gray, a pending free agent, provides the Giants with a veteran rotation option. Winn, a former first-round pick (15th overall in 2018), has shown promise in a relief role this year—recording a 0.92 ERA, 1.089 WHIP, and 38 strikeouts across 48.2 innings between Triple-A and the majors. Although walks remain an issue (23 total), Winn isn’t a free agent until 2031, making him a controllable long-term bullpen piece.
Additionally, I’d like to see the Rangers add a proven left-handed reliever in the coming days to strengthen the bullpen for the postseason push.
