The Texas Rangers are on a mini resurgence, having won three consecutive games as they fight to re-enter the American League playoff race. However, reality is setting in, and the path to contention is quickly narrowing. With only 3.5 games separating them from the final wild card spot, they find themselves teetering on the edge—deciding whether to buy or sell as the MLB trade deadline approaches.
Chris Young, the Rangers’ president of baseball operations, has built a reputation for being aggressive when the postseason seems within reach. Yet, as the July 31 deadline looms, the team’s recent performance is prompting thoughts of a more strategic approach, leaning towards being sellers rather than buyers.
One player that could command significant interest in the trade market is Nathan Eovaldi. With a wealth of playoff experience and impressive performance metrics, he’s a name that teams vying for a World Series title would love to add to their rotation. This season, Eovaldi has been nothing short of spectacular, boasting a 1.56 ERA and an MLB-best 0.808 WHIP, along with 73 strikeouts against just 10 walks over 69.1 innings. Those numbers tell a story of dominance, making him a valuable asset if Texas decides to make moves.
Interestingly, the Chicago Cubs are emerging as serious contenders for a trade involving Eovaldi. Cubs president of baseball operations Jed Hoyer has made it clear that improving their pitching—both starting and relief—is a priority. After missing out on Eovaldi during the offseason, they might find themselves regretting that decision as he has pitched like an All-Star and an AL Cy Young candidate this season.
The Cubs’ starting rotation has held a 3.91 ERA this season, which doesn’t quite match the Rangers’ enviable second-best ERA in baseball at 2.96. In this context, securing Eovaldi might be exactly what Chicago needs to boost their playoff hopes. Although Eovaldi is not a budget option with his three-year, $75 million contract, for a team eager to chase a championship, the price could be well worth it. His playoff credentials—from key moments in Texas’s 2023 run to his pivotal role with the Boston Red Sox in 2018—add further appeal.
In terms of what the Cubs could offer in return, they possess three prospects in the Top 100 that could draw Texas’s attention: pitcher Cade Horton, outfielder Owen Caissie, and catcher/first baseman Moisés Ballesteros. A deal that includes one of their top-ranked prospects could certainly be on the table if these two teams engage in talks.
Meanwhile, the Rangers are taking a cautious approach with Eovaldi’s recovery from right posterior elbow inflammation. While this may raise concerns, it’s not expected to derail potential trade talks. The landscape remains fluid with the deadline still a bit away, and Texas has shown resilience during their recent winning spell.
Ultimately, the decision for the Rangers hinges on their offensive performance moving forward. If they continue to struggle, trading Eovaldi could set them up for future runs when they’re in a stronger position. The trade deadline is always a gamble, and for the Rangers, this could be a pivotal moment in shaping their future. As teams like the Cubs aim for the top, the market for a player of Eovaldi’s caliber will undoubtedly heat up.
