Three Names the Texas Rangers Can Trade to Push Them Into the 2026 Playoffs
The MLB Trade Deadline is just around the corner, and the Texas Rangers have found themselves in an interesting situation as we're about halfway through the regular season. With a record of 48-46, a game-and-a-half lead over the Seattle Mariners for first place in a tight American League West, and essentially playing every game like it’s a playoff game, trade rumors have started to slide into the clubhouse. Injuries, offensive slumps, and juggling a pitching carousel, first-year manager Skip Schumaker and the front office have to start having some uncomfortable conversations if they want to find themselves playing for the pennant in October. As of right now, three names can give the Rangers the best value in return and solidify themselves atop the division.
Corey Seager
The two-time World Series Champion and MVP became a household name for Texas fans the second he arrived in Arlington. Still, a streak of bad luck and the lack of consistent offensive production have put him in an interesting situation with the team. Corey Seager, the five-time all-star shortstop, led the Rangers to their first World Series Championship in 2023, but as he takes one step forward, he’s forced to take three steps back. Seager has been hampered by a streak of injuries dating back to last season, and a nagging lower back injury has sidelined him and placed him on the IL. With a lack of playing time and young stars emerging at the right time, it’s hard not to ask the question, “Is it time for him to be traded?” Out of the 94 games the Rangers have played this season, the 32-year-old has only played in 50, and that’s counting some he’s left early from. At his peak performance, the former All-MLB First Team player can be one of, if not the best, players in the league. That being said, it’s a huge if. Seager makes $31 million a year, but he’s got five years left on his contract that was signed with Texas back in December of 2021. If a team is willing to take on that kind of contract, they get a high-risk, high-reward player who can turn the team around in an instant when healthy, and the Rangers can potentially get a great return, especially if they’re able to pull some pitchers and multi-position players.
Joc Pederson
The two-time World Series Champion Joc Pederson has had his ups and downs this season with the Rangers, especially to start the regular season, but has recovered from his slump and become the power hitter fans and the team were hoping to see. Hitting .237 on the season with 15 home runs, the two-time all-star has become a lethal weapon in the leadoff spot and has all the potential to flip the momentum to Texas’ dugout with one swing. While Pederson is on the up-and-coming, I wouldn’t be surprised if the Rangers decide to shop around the designated hitter, as they can capitalize on his confidence and land some prospects, first-day starters, and cash considerations with one player. It’ll be interesting to see if Texas does keep him around, as he’s only earning $18.5 million this year and has a mutual option for the 2027 season. Any team can pick up his contract and be happy to get a leadoff monster; it’ll just depend on what those teams are willing to give up for the power hitter.
Ezequiel Durán
This one is a very intriguing take, as it will pain fans to see him go. Ezequiel Durán, the all-important utility man who has come up clutch in more ways than one, can be a name the Rangers move on from and, I believe, can give Texas some underrated value in return. The 27-year-old from the Dominican Republic had a rough start to his career, as he signed with the New York Yankees as an international free agent back in 2017 for a mere $10,000. In July 2021, he was included in a package that sent him to the Rangers in what was a major trade. This year, Durán signed a one-year, $1.375 million contract before the season started to avoid arbitration and has earned every penny. Playing in numerous positions and batting a consistent .269 on the season, he’s played a major role in getting Texas over numerous slumps offensively and has gotten them above .500 for the first time since early in the season. In his 85 games, the 27-year-old served primarily as the backup shortstop while Seager rested, but he’s seen time around the infield and outfield, and that can play a huge factor in what teams look at now. From a player who started on the hot seat before the season to what Durán has been able to accomplish now, the everyday starter can give the Rangers a decent return and can allow Texas to fill key holes in the lineup and have depth as they try to make a postseason run.
