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MLB Trade Rumors: Texas Rangers interested in Rays’ Matt Moore

By Dave Stevenson

Jul 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports
Jul 9, 2016; Boston, MA, USA; Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore (55) pitches during the first inning against the Boston Red Sox at Fenway Park. Mandatory Credit: Bob DeChiara-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Texas Rangers have expressed interest in Tampa Bay Rays starting pitcher Matt Moore.

The Texas Rangers currently sit in first place in the American League West. However, their rotation must get an upgrade or two if they want to compete with teams like the Cleveland Indians, Boston Red Sox, and Baltimore Orioles in the playoffs.

According to Jon Morosi of Fox Sports, the Rangers are engaging in trade talks with the Tampa Bay Rays and one of the names that the two sides are discussing is starting pitcher Matt Moore.

Moore is eligible for arbitration after the 2016 season and could be a free agent after the 2017 season if his team does not pick options for 2018 and 2019. His 4.33 ERA in 2016 does not look good, but over his last eight starts, Moore has gone at least six innings in each start. Over his last seven starts, Moore has a 3.11 ERA while striking out over seven batters per nine innings.

In a pitching starved market, Moore is one of the better pitchers available. His relatively cheap contract and his two team options for 2018 and 2019 should make him a valuable commodity if the Rays are interested in trading him. With Derek Holland’s recent injury that has put him on the 60-day disabled list, the Rangers desperately need to add a starting pitcher. Moore would be a great target for them.

Moore is the type of impact arm that could help the Rangers not just in 2016, but also in 2017 and potentially through 2019.

For more MLB Trade Rumors coverage, check out FanSided’s MLB hub page.

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