The Texas Rangers were expected to regain their stature after a hugely disappointing defense of their World Series title in 2024. They were regarded as the strongest postseason contenders in the American League West at the start of the season.
However, their playoff hopes are in dire straits at the moment after an underwhelming 2.5 months to begin the season. Their front office will have to pull off some moves at the trade deadline for the team to make a strong run down the stretch.
Texas Rangers Urged To Offload Jon Gray, Adolis Garcia, Acquire Atlanta Braves Slugger at Deadline
The Rangers’ pitching staff, especially the starting rotation, has been incredible thus far, having allowed the fewest runs (219) in the American League. Their issues became glaringly apparent considering they have also scored the fewest runs (221).
At present, only Josh Smith, Wyatt Langford, and Josh Jung have an OPS+ north of 100. Franchise superstars Marcus Semien and Corey Seager are both struggling, as are offseason acquisitions Joc Pederson and Jake Burger.
Nick Deeds of MLB Trade Rumors estimates the Rangers will sell a few players at the trade deadline to lighten their payroll. Nevertheless, he expects them to add rentals to boost whatever chances they may have of qualifying for the postseason.
Outfielder Adolis Garcia, the Rangers’ World Series MVP, could be on his way out this year. Garcia had signed a two-year, $14 million pre-arbitration deal with the team in 2024 but has failed to live up to the expectations ever since.
Harold Reynolds takes a look at two swings from Adolis García from two years apart… what do you notice?#MLBTonight pic.twitter.com/dTXN4XkV2k
— MLB Network (@MLBNetwork) June 8, 2025
Veteran starting pitcher Jon Gray will be another potential trade candidate when he returns from the IL. Gray is approaching the end of the four-year, $56 million contract that he had signed with the Rangers ahead of the 2022 campaign.
“If Texas can’t get more from individual key players like Marcus Semien, Corey Seager, and Josh Jung, it could be hard for the team to cover all of its needs on a shoestring budget even if they do stay relevant in the Wild Card picture,” Deeds wrote.
“One way to handle that would be to try and both buy and sell simultaneously at the deadline. Perhaps someone like Jon Gray (once he’s healthy) or Adolis Garcia (if his numbers improve a bit) could be dealt elsewhere for salary relief to allow the club to take a bigger swing and acquire a bat like Marcell Ozuna to help spark the offense.”
MORE: Veteran Closer Craig Kimbrel Back in Free Agency After Braves DFA
Ozuna is enjoying another strong season with the Atlanta Braves, even though the team is going through a shockingly poor stretch. He has a .261/.401/.431 slash line for the season with 10 home runs, 30 RBIs, and an OPS+ of 135.
The 34-year-old slugger had accepted the option on his four-year, $64 million extension he signed with the franchise in 2021, bringing his full contract to five years and $80 million. Therefore, the Rangers will have to fork out about half of his $16 million annual salary to acquire his services. That number is malleable depending on whether Atlanta prioritizes cash or prospect capital in the return.
Given that Ozuna is in a contract year, he is set to be a free agent this winter.
The Braves are fourth in the National League East with a 28-37 record and a nine-game deficit in the Wild Card race. Their playoff hopes may be over by the deadline, so they could trade away some of their marquee players in return for a few prospects.