The 2020 trade deadline has come and gone and the Rangers made “Minor” moves.
With most of America essentially waiting on the dominoes to fall, the Rangers left with the ones that brought them.
Brought them to a putrid record of 12-24 and 9.5 games out of first in the AL West
They did trade LHP Mike Minor to Oakland for two PTBNL. They also moved Robinson Chirinos and Todd Frazier to the Mets for three PTBNL and cash considerations. However, the word was that a lot of teams were looking to acquire Lance Lynn or Joey Gallo.
Right up until the deadline, there were rumors galore. But the deadline came and went with the Rangers not moving any of their top assets.
So, what now?
The time has come to put up or shut up. I have long defended Jon Daniel. I will continue to defend him until I can’t defend him anymore. He is coming very close to that point. Starting now there is no excuse for not looking towards the future. Here is what needs to happen.
DFAs
First of all there needs to be a couple of DFA’s. The Rangers need to DFA Rougned Odor or bench him. Either way he is no longer the second baseman. Then they need to DFA Shin-Soo Choo. Both sides need to respect each other on this one. Choo needs to understand that he is no longer in the future plans for the Rangers. Once they DFA him and he clears waivers, they can release him. He will get picked up by someone and be another bat off the bench or DH. He is ineligible to play on a playoff roster since he wasn’t on the team by 3 p.m. August 31st.
I can get behind Choo staying and playing here in a limited capacity, because he has earned it. Plus if he plays well enough they could make him a qualifying offer and get a draft pick if he elects free agency.
Choo could also be a reasonable offseason signing to DH and come off the bench to pinch hit.
Odor hasn’t earned that right. If they DFA those two, they immediately put Josh Jung and Sam Huff on the 40 man roster.
They have started out on the right foot by bringing up Anderson Tejeda and Eli White. White was part of the three team trade where the Rangers sent out Jurickson Profar and also got Brock Burke from the Rays. I would also like to Sam Huff and Sherten Apostel at some point this season. White came up as a SS but has transitioned to the outfield. He probably tops out as a utility guy, but is a stellar defender. Scott Heineman will no longer play center field. White will back up Taveras when they want to play another guy out there. Should White earn playing time in left field, Texas would have one of the best defensive outfields in baseball. White is considered the most athletic player in Texas system. He probably comps out like a Craig Gentry. A little pop, a lot of speed and great in the field.
Offseason
Going into the offseason is where JD needs to prove he should stay. Ownership has already said they plan to cut the budget in 2021. I think we can all agree that this will not win favor with most fans. It is understandable that cash flow may be an issue, with no fans this season and brand new stadium using cardboard cutouts. But a lot of money is coming off the books. Choo, Minor, Frazier, Chirinos, etc….. Odor will most likely come off the books, but his salary will still be paid by the Rangers. Daniels needs to get creative and make good offseason moves. Since taking on salary will be an issue, then spend smart and make trades accordingly. Choo makes $21 million so that’s the biggest money to use.
It was pointed out by a follower on Twitter by Michael Stoneking, that the last good team the Rangers had was in 2016. AJ Preller and Thad Levine were in the Rangers organization when JD was credited for building a winner.
Both have had success since leaving. While I have constantly scoffed at the argument that the Rangers have gone down hill since Nolan Ryan left, the Preller and Levine thing has legs. Did losing AJ Preller and Thad Levine expose who really was responsible for the 2010 and 2011 World Series teams?
It’s at least a fun thing to think about. Especially for the JD haters!
Featured Image: Louis DeLuca/The Dallas Morning News
