It’s official: The Texas Rangers are going for it.
In less than a month, the defending World Series champions have improved their postseason odds from 5.5 percent to better than 25 percent. The Seattle Mariners’ collapse helped, but the Rangers also have won 12 of their past 16 games, including five straight. They are one game under .500, 2 1/2 games out of first place — and getting healthier.
The expected returns of Cody Bradford, Dane Dunning, Tyler Mahle and Jacob deGrom will reinforce their pitching staff. What the Rangers want to add, according to sources familiar with their plans, is a bat — either a left-handed hitting outfielder/DH or a platoon-neutral right-handed hitter.
One name of interest: The Tampa Bay Rays’ Yandy Díaz, a right-handed hitter with sizable platoon splits this season (.879 OPS vs. LHPs, .678 vs. RHPs) but more even numbers in his career (.888-.769). Díaz currently is on the restricted list for personal reasons and has not played since the All-Star break.
6 comments
Mariners just traded for Arrozorena this might have some merrit
So is Tampa throwing in the towel. This makes Wild Card slightly more interesting as well.
I wonder if one of Seattle or Houston gets that Wild Card spot or if we are the only ones making playoffs from the West.
Everyday DH would be the fit?
He’s no upgrade over Lowe at the plate, and I haven’t done my homework here, but I’d guess not in the field either.
yeaaaaaa… idk bout this one. not a bad thought at all tho i dont think yandy is the answer especially this year
Interesting…hitting would definitely be our biggest need however it’s a bit awkward of a fit with Jung coming back and supposedly Carter soon, unless they’re done with Leody or Adolis outright. I mean someone like Jank could always be dfa’d and a Yandy or anyone would be better. So idk how high they wanna swing for the fences here. I feel like the team needs 2023 Adolis and would be a top 5 offense again easily.
There was a part of me that was hoping we’d go for Arozarena, but sounds like he’s going to the Mariners. Diaz is an interesting choice, though I’d like to see who else is on offer from other teams.