Rangers reportedly eyeing former batting champ in possible deadline deal

07-26-2024
2 min read
Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports

The Texas Rangers will have some tough decisions to make over the next few days.

Texas currently is five games back of an American League Wild Card spot but is only 2 1/2 games behind the Houston Astros for the top spot in the American League West. The Rangers have been mentioned as possible sellers, but that doesn't seem like it's going to be the case.

The Rangers have won five straight games and are about to get some major pieces back, including Jacob deGrom. Texas may not currently hold a playoff spot, but it has plenty of talent and could make a run.

One thing that could help with this, is adding a little more pop into the middle of the lineup ahead of the upcoming trade deadline. The Rangers know this and reportedly have "expressed interest" in Tampa Bay Rays All-Star Yandy Díaz, according to FanSided's Robert Murray.

"The Texas Rangers have expressed interest in Rays infielder Yandy Díaz, as first reported by Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, and there are other teams involved," Murray said. "It’s unclear how willing the Rays are to move Díaz, 32, who is signed through 2025 with a $12 million club option for 2026."

Díaz was the American League batting champion last year and certainly could provide a much-needed boost to the Rangers' lineup. Texas didn't get out to the start it hoped for this year but that mainly was due to injuries. The Rangers are starting to get healthier and we may get to see what they can look like at full strength in the near future.