MLB Trade Deadline 2017: 5 best spots for Jose Abreu

4

Texas Rangers

AL, West

The Texas Rangers need a spark of something, don’t they? They are hovering around .500 and still in the mix for an AL Wild Card berth through the middle of July. So what if they aren’t catching the in-state rival Houston Astros for the division crown? Shoot for a wild card berth, why don’t you?

Globe Life Park in Arlington is a notorious hitters’ park over the years. It plays well for sluggers on either side of the plate. The Rangers’ issues in Arlington have historically been pitching woes and not their ability to drive in runs, but they could use a big bat in the middle of their lineup to really come to life offensively. That’s where Abreu could make a difference.

Mike Napoli might have over 20 home runs, but the dude is hitting around the Mendoza Line. Adding Abreu means that the Rangers would be nearly 100 points better at the plate with him in the lineup than Napoli, even if that means he has one less home run than him on the year. Just playing a few extra home dates for the Rangers should amplify Abreu’s already solid power numbers.

Again, it’s hard to imagine many AL West teams getting into an arms race this July. Everybody already knows that the Astros are going to cake walk to the division title. Unless one of the Astros’ four rivals feels like they can honestly challenge for a wild card berth, they’ll stand pat this July and look ahead to next season. That being said, Texas is a franchise that will historically make a short-sided move if it thinks it will help them sniff the postseason. Don’t be surprised if Texas makes a splash or two.