One waiver trade deadline deal every MLB team should make

Somewhat unexpectedly, the Texas Rangers are still in the hunt in the American League West. The club is currently 58-57 and four games out of first place in the division and a mere 1.5 games out of the second Wild Card spot.

Therefore, it might make sense for Texas to go big and try to trade for a missing piece or two in order to make a push to overtake the Angels, Astros and Yankees in the division and Wild Card standings, respectively.

In that case, expect Texas to search for bullpen help. Through the first 111 games of the season, only the Colorado Rockies have a worse bullpen ERA (4.68) than the Rangers’ 4.62 mark – and the third worst unit isn’t even close – the A’s, Tigers and Braves all have bullpen ERAs roughly four-tenths of a run lower. Therefore, names that would make sense include San Diego reliever Joaquin Benoit, Oakland’s Edward Mujica, Seattle’s Joe Biemel, or one of several members of the Reds’ bullpen such as Manny Parra, Burke Badenhop or J.J. Hoover.

Also, despite the chances Texas will continue to contend, starter Yovani Gallardo could still be traded. That means a team like the Tigers or Red Sox, that want to rebuild as quickly as possible, could be an option for a rather rare September blockbuster.

However, the most likely scenario involves the Rangers sending a low-to-mid-level prospects for a couple of relief rentals. Let’s say John Fasola for Parra.

Next: Toronto Blue Jays