The trade deadline came and went without much fanfare from the Rangers. Jon Daniels talked to the media afterward and explained the afternoon.
Although there were deals on the table, they just didn’t see anything worth trading away Mike Minor, Hunter Pence, and few others he wouldn’t mention. Daniels did allude to the fact that changes were coming to the roster. The Rangers were waiting until after the deadline to see who was still here before deciding.
Upon returning to the press box, Levi Weaver, The Athletic, and I started pondering moves. We both agreed that Asdrubal Cabrera could be gone. About an hour before first pitch I tweeted out this.
When the game ended word came down. Cabrera and Tim Federowicz will be DFA’d by Friday. The Ranges will recall Isaiah Kiner-Falefa and Jose Trevino. Kiner-Falefa will play more 3rd base than catcher. Trevino will split the catching duties with Jeff Mathis. I thought that Scott Heineman would be on his way here. The Rangers have moved him to first base at Nashville where he is hitting .372. Ronald Guzman has been DH’ing while in AAA.
What’s next?
If I had to predict, I think that Logan Forsythe is probably playing his last days as a Ranger. The question becomes about playing time after that. Heineman is probably the next candidate to make his major league debut this year. With Santana entrenched at first, a spot needs to open up. Once Forsythe is gone Santana can resume his duties of playing all over the field. He has also been taking ground balls at third.
The Texas Rangers haven’t thrown in the towel yet. However, they are going forward with players who are potential for the future. That means the older veterans will be set out to pasture. Except for Hunter Pence. Pence has played his way into a role for the remainder of the year. His veteran presence and attitude have endeared him to the club. He may get a contract for next year.
Grab your popcorn for a different reason. This team is looking forward and not behind. It wouldn’t surprise me if they didn’t have a little fight left in them. Maybe even a push towards that second wildcard. But not at the expense of the future.
Featured Image: John Minchillo / Associated Press
