MLB Rumors: Rangers could fill two voids in single trade thanks to White Sox

The Rangers need a starting pitcher and help in the bullpen. One trade they’ve reportedly explored with the White Sox could answer both questions.

The Rangers remain in control of the AL West but that’ll only keep up if they address their pitching staff ahead of the MLB trade deadline.

Jacob deGrom is out for the season and the team needs a quality arm to make up for his absence if they want to make a deep postseason run.

Adding Aroldis Chapman to the bullpen was an aggressive move, but even then an additional reliever would not go amiss.

The White Sox may have the solution on both fronts.

According to Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic, the Rangers have “had interest” in both Lance Lynn and Joe Kelly, though there has been “no traction on a deal.”

MLB Rumors: White Sox pitchers Lance Lynn, Joe Kelly would solve Rangers need

Rosenthal reported that he was even told the two sides were close on a trade, but he later determined that was not a true assessment of the situation.

Either way, the Rangers have looked into both of those options.

Adding Lynn could be a bit of a risk given his performance this season. He has a 6-9 record and a career-worst ERA of 6.47.

On the plus side, Lynn has been an All-Star caliber pitcher in previous years and his recent form will only lower his price tag. It’s hard to argue for a prime return on a pitcher who has given up 17 earned runs in his last three starts combined.

Kelly has also seen better days. He’s 1-5 out of the bullpen this year with an ERA of 4.97, which is somehow better than last year’s ERA of 6.08. His tenure with the White Sox has been far below what he showed in his final season with the Dodgers.

Adding both Lynn and Kelly would be taking a chance on guys who have done it well before, but have lost their mojo in Chicago. The Rangers would be hoping they can get it back in Arlington.