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MLB Trade Deadline: 15 deals that should happen

By Nathaniel Reeves

May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports
May 14, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; New York Yankees relief pitcher Andrew Miller (48) delivers a pitch against the Chicago White Sox at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Noah K. Murray-USA TODAY Sports /
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Jun 8, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Will Smith (13) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Miller Park. Milwaukee won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 8, 2016; Milwaukee, WI, USA; Milwaukee Brewers pitcher Will Smith (13) throws a pitch during the ninth inning against the Oakland Athletics at Miller Park. Milwaukee won 4-0. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-USA TODAY Sports /

14. Will Smith to the Texas Rangers

At 51-27, the Rangers are running away with the AL West and have separated themselves as true World Series contenders. Texas has a few holes to fill at the trade deadline, with plenty of prospect capital to make multiple deals happen.

One area the Rangers will look to improve is the bullpen. After the unit was strong down the stretch last season, Texas’ relief pitching has been inconsistent in 2016 outside of Matt Bush, Jake Diekman and Sam Dyson.

Adding a high-leverage reliever to that group would be of great benefit to Texas in the postseason. Depending on who becomes available, Smith could end up being one of the Rangers’ top options.

The 26-year-old Smith has been strong over the last three seasons with the Kansas City Royals and Brewers, and figures to be available at the deadline with Milwaukee rebuilding. Smith turned in the best season of his career in 2015, posting a 2.70 ERA (2.47 FIP) with nearly 13 strikeouts per nine innings according to FanGraphs.

That performance made Smith the presumptive closer in Milwaukee prior to the season, but he missed the first two months of 2016 with a knee injury. The Brewers hope Smith can return to full health before the deadline, as his strikeouts are down despite a shiny ERA in 12.2 innings since being activated.

It should still only take a few more healthy outings for Smith to become an attractive trade option. While Smith is far from the only move the Rangers should make, he can fill an important role for the team down the stretch.

Next: 13. CC Sabathia to the Texas Rangers

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