The Texas Rangers have struggled a bit since winning the World Series in 2023. Last year, they went 78-84 and missed the postseason.
This year, they are 41-43, but only 2 1/2 games out in the American League Wild Card race, so they could end up being buyers rather than sellers at the trade deadline.
Their starting pitching has been mostly solid, but they would benefit from having another top arm.
R.J. Anderson of CBS Sports listed Texas as a potential fit for right-hander Sandy Alcantara.
“Alcantara had started to correct course after a miserable initial return from Tommy John surgery heading into his last time out, a thrashing by the Diamondbacks. His velocity has been there and his control, often said to be the last aspect of a pitcher’s game to be restored post-operation, seems to be almost back,” Anderson wrote.
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The Miami Marlins are obvious sellers this year at the trade deadline, and they could bring back a haul for Alcantara.
The 29-year-old right-hander has struggled this season, going 4-8 in 16 starts with a 6.98 ERA. But he has pitched better as of late.
Texas will have to part ways with some top prospects in order to get the deal done if they do indeed target Alcantara. But given that they are close in the Wild Card race, it would make sense for them to potentially target the former Cy Young.
Alcantara missed all of 2024 after undergoing Tommy John surgery late in the 2023 season. If he can continue his positive trend, then chances of him being dealt are high.
We’ll see if the Rangers decide to target him.
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