MLB’s non-waiver trade deadline saw a number of impact players change teams, but perhaps no franchise fared as well as the Texas Rangers when all was said and done.
With an AL-best record of 62-44, the Rangers decided to go all in and pull the trigger on multiple high-profile moves, acquiring Carlos Beltran from the New York Yankees and star catcher Jonathan Lucroy and hard-throwing reliever Jeremy Jeffress from the Milwaukee Brewers.
Perhaps most impressively, Texas was able to hold on to its three highly prized youngsters Joey Gallo, Nomar Mazara and Jurickson Profar.
“In the end they picked up relief pitching help, they picked up a big bat and an all-star catcher without giving up any of their top young players,” says MLB analyst Jonah Keri. “That’s a pretty impressive haul for the Rangers.” It looks like right now, who did best on trade deadline day is probably Texas.”
Coming off a loss to the Toronto Blue Jays in the 2015 ALDS, the Rangers are proving they will not be satisfied unless they bring a World Series title to Arlington.
“I think this is all about winning the World Series, it’s not about winning the AL West and going on and having a good post-season,” says Sportsnet’s Jeff Blair. “Prince Fielder was not having a great year, but losing him, you’ve got to go get another impact bat in there. They bring in Beltran, a guy who has hit well in the post-season, a switch-hitter, he can DH, play the outfield. I think Texas has done remarkably well.”
