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MLB Trade Deadline: Which teams are buyers?

By Nathaniel Reeves

Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski (left) introduces Mike Hazen (right) as the team
Sep 24, 2015; Boston, MA, USA; Boston Red Sox president of baseball operations Dave Dombrowski (left) introduces Mike Hazen (right) as the team /
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Jun 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports
Jun 28, 2016; Bronx, NY, USA; Texas Rangers starting pitcher Cole Hamels (35) pitches during the first inning against the New York Yankees at Yankee Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Anthony Gruppuso-USA TODAY Sports /

95. . American League. West. Texas Rangers. 3. player

Texas was the best team in the AL in the first half with a mark of 54-36, and will now look for the pieces to separate themselves from the hard-charging Houston Astros in the AL West race. The Rangers have the luxury of a very deep farm system to deal from and will be looking for any starting pitching help they can find.

Injuries have piled up in Texas’ rotation beyond Cole Hamels and it needs another mid-rotation starter to go on a deep playoff run. It’s unclear what the club will get from Yu Darvish, who has been on the DL twice this season, and replacements like Chi Chi Gonzalez and Kyle Loshe don’t inspire a lot of confidence.

Teheran would be a perfect fit, as he could help the Rangers out for a number of years, and the team has the young assets to swing a deal. If Teheran doesn’t become available for whatever reason, the Rangers could target a Matt Moore or Drew Pomeranz type.

Texas could also ask one of those teams to throw in a reliever, as the bullpen could use a little more consistency and depth. The real question is if the Rangers will enter the Jonathan Lucroy sweepstakes. Robinson Chirinos has been solid in 27 games since being activated from the DL, but the Brewers backstop would be a definite upgrade.

The Rangers don’t have enough playing time for all their MLB-ready young stars, which could lead to some being used as trade chips. Jurickson Profar’s name has been thrown around a lot, particularly as a centerpiece for Lucroy, while the Rangers could consider moving Joey Gallo if they are floored by an offer.

Next: 2. Chicago Cubs

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