Recent MLB Trade Rumors suggest that the Texas Rangers are looking to land Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore.
Hoping to improve their already strong starting rotation, the Texas Rangers are looking to the Tampa Bay Rays for some help, setting their sights on left-handed starting pitcher Matt Moore.
At 51-28, the Rangers have the best record in the American League and are clear World Series contenders. The Rays on the other hand, sit at 33-44 and in last place in the AL East. They will likely be sellers prior to the MLB trade deadline on July 31st.
Moore is making his return from Tommy John surgery on his elbow this season, with mixed results throughout the year. However, his seven-inning shutout performance against the power Boston Red Sox’ offense on Wednesday night was obviously a step in the right direction.
According to Marc Topkin of the Tampa Bay Times, there has been some trade interest in Moore on the market. “The Rangers already hot on Moore’s trail and three-four others expected to join the pursuit,” Topkin wrote.
Moore was once considered one of the best young starting pitchers in baseball, but the elbow injury obviously held him back. That being said, the raw talent and ability still appears to be there and Moore could quickly become one of the most dominant left-handed starters in the game.
With a mid-90s fastball, a knockout breaking ball and a deceptive delivery, it is easy to see the upside of Moore on the mound. The elbow is still a question, and he does struggle with commanding his pitches at times, but Moore could easily be an impact addition for a contending team down the stretch.
It is easy to see why the Rangers and other teams will be involved. That being said, at 27-years-old and under a solid contract, the Rays are not going to give Moore away for nothing. He is the kind of pitcher who they can build around, or wait until the off season as his value will likely increase.
Will somebody step up and make Moore a priority? Only time will tell.
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