Grading every team’s World Series chances after the trade deadline
By Brad Weiss
Texas Rangers
The Texas Rangers are struggling through another tough season in 2018, and the only moves they made during the trade deadline made their active roster worse. The Rangers traded away two quality arms in starter Cole Hamels and reliever Jesse Chavez, and are likely headed towards a last place finish in the AL West this season.
Hamels and Chavez were both traded to the Chicago Cubs, although in different deals. For Hamels and cash, the Rangers got back Eddie Butler, Rollie Lacy, and a player to be named later, while Chavez brought back left handed pitcher Tyler Thomas. Nothing really to write home about.
The Rangers are two years removed from the last time they went to the playoffs, and the last two seasons have been downright atrocious. After losing in the Divisional Series in both 2015 and 2016, the Rangers finished the 2017 campaign six games under .500, and 23 games out of first place.
This season, they entered the trade deadline already 16 games under .500, and 21 games out of first place. Once the best team in the state of Texas, the Rangers now are constantly looking up at the Houston Astros, who do not look to be slowing down any time soon.
There have been some good signs for the future for the Rangers this season, but overall, they just have not played consistent baseball. They do have some power bats in their lineup, but with Hamels now gone, they are going to have to take a serious look at this starting rotation next season.