After finishing with just 68 wins a season ago, the Texas Rangers had hopes of taking a big step forward in 2023, having made significant additions to their roster. Those investments have paid off in a major way early on in the season, with the Rangers sitting comfortably atop the American League West, leading the Houston Astros by 5.5 games.
But as we’ve seen before, it’s a long season, with 162 games providing plenty of ebbs and flows throughout the year. Just because the Rangers are thriving now doesn’t mean an injury or a slump might not knock them off their throne later on.
One way the Rangers could look to mitigate any future downswings is by continuing to add depth to the roster ahead of the trade deadline. According to one MLB insider, the Rangers’ front office has been busy trying to do just that.
Several sources have reported and Jon Morosi has confirmed the Rangers have registered an interest in trading for Pittsburgh Pirates former MVP Andrew McCutchen. The 36-year-old landed back in Pittsburgh on a one-year, $5 million deal this offseason after spending time with four other teams since departing the Pirates in 2017, but could be sent to a contender when the Pirates are ready to make a move.
MLB’s trade deadline doesn’t come until August 1, giving Cutch and the Pirates plenty of time to keep their options open. With Pittsburgh sitting in fourth place in the NL Central, 5.5 games behind the division-leading Cincinnati Reds, a trade may make the most sense.
- Andrew McCutchen’s stats this season: 9 HR, 24 RBI, 9 SB, .271/.394/.431/.825, 127 OPS+
Morosi’s report indicates that the Rangers would also be seeking “at least one pitcher” as part of a trade agreement too. If the Rangers and Pirates can reach a deal, McCutchen’s main role would come as the team’s designated hitter, as he’s made just eight appearances in the outfield for the Pirates thus far in 2023.
Related: 2023 MLB power rankings: Cincinnati Reds and San Francisco Giants soar, new No. 1 team