Action was expected for the Rangers around the trade deadline. Exactly what kind of action was not really known. Was Chris Young going to add a few pieces? Trade expiring contracts? Were big names going to come off the board, potentially turning to a rebuild?
Turns out, the answer to all those questions was no. The Rangers did almost nothing on Monday. All we got was a deal involving Josh Smith, sending him to the Toronto Blue Jays. In exchange was young left-handed reliever Adam Macko. Smith's time in Texas was clearly up, and Young decided to get a controllable arm the bullpen will use in the future.
So, did the Rangers make the right decision by practically standing pat?
Before getting into opinion, let's dive into why nothing was done. The answer appears to be a simple one – Jacob deGrom.
Just about all the credible national reporters out there were saying the Rangers were listening to every player on the roster. This included Jacob deGrom, who was linked to the Atlanta Braves. Nathan Eovaldi was mentioned. Of course, Corey Seager's name got thrown out there but nothing too rel ever popped up surrounding the shortstop. Mackenzie Gore and Jacob Latz even joined the rumor mill.
Then all of a sudden, the dynamic changed. Local reporters claimed there would be no selling from the front office. Eventually, the reasoning came out. deGrom flexed his no-trade clause, using his right to remain with the Rangers. He went on to say he signed with the organization to win and intends to do so.
“I want to be here. I believe in this group. Obviously, the last road trip didn't go well, but I believe we can win," deGrom said via MLB.com's Kennedi Landry. "I signed here to help this team win a World Series. In 2023, the team was able to do that. I want to be a part of that in the future. I signed here to do that. I want to stay here and help this team compete.”
Certainly a respectable move from deGrom. However, one that seemed to completely change Young's strategy for the day. If deGrom was going to stay, may as well keep Eovaldi, Seager, and the rest of the bunch.
Now, getting to the question at hand. My answer would be yes. If you read Sunday's road trip thoughts, you'd know staying put was my preferred trade deadline option.
Multiple reasons go into the thought process. Some are smart, and I'll concede others aren't.
First, the value would just not be there. Even in a world where deGrom or Eovaldi waive their no-trade clause, what's the return going to be? Owner Ray Davis clearly wants to shed payroll, which means the Rangers likely would not pay much of the existing contract. As a result, the prospects brought back in a trade only diminish. You can then consider the two's on-field play, which has not exactly been great in 2026 either. Same can be said for Seager, who has a deal running through 2031.
From there, I'll admit there is a fan attachment there. Eovaldi is arguably the greatest Rangers pitcher ever. Not only is he a native Texan but he was the 2023 run's lifeblood on the mound. Seager filled the same role in the lineup, eventually winning World Series MVP. You cannot name a more iconic moment in franchise history than his Game 1 home run in the World Series.
Now, this is not some kind of ignorant idea that nothing is wrong. What Young has built over the last three seasons is not working. Who is exactly to blame is open for debate and a different discussion. Either way, everyone involved should know changes are needed. Retool just might be the better term than rebuild.
When do you think is a better time to map out and execute a retooling, though? During the offseason? Or within a few hours after a crushing loss in Houston?
Option A certainly sounds better to me, especially since the next time Young puts together a roster, there will not be questions about baseball's stability and financial structure. And if Young decides he wants to trade one of the big three, I'd imagine they are a lot more open to the conversation over the course of a few weeks pre-spring training than Aug. 3.
For now, all the Rangers can do is play baseball. Do fans know what the results are going to be? Yeah, probably. More likely than not, the record finishes around 81-81 with a missed playoff appearance. Is there a chance things come together for a two-week run, only to take advantage of a weak AL West and AL Wild Card race? Maybe. Should anyone be counting on that? No.
Frustrations are allowed to be present at the trade deadline when nothing takes place. I get it. This just happens to be one of the rare times where letting a season expire feels like a viable option. Reassess in the offseason and decide the direction of your franchise then.
