Could there be a reunion in the works in Arlington?
The Rangers spent the weekend working in Kansas City, and not just on the field. They were taking a good look at familiar face, Royals right-handed pitcher Edinson Volquez. The 33-year old broke into the majors with the Rangers in 2005 before being traded for Josh Hamilton in 2007.
Volquez faced the Rangers on Sunday, getting a no-decision after allowing one run in six innings. His stats this season don’t immediately jump off the page. Volquez is 8-8 with a 4.56 ERA and 94 strikeouts in just over 124 innings. He has thrown better during the month of July, posting a 3.60 ERA with 17 strikeouts in 21 innings.
Volquez does bring some postseason experience if a move is made before the Aug. 1 trade deadline. He started Games 1 and 5 for the Royals in the 2015 World Series, getting a no-decision in both starts despite only allowing a combined five earned runs. The Royals won both games en route to a world championship.
The Rangers would likely have to give up some big-time talent, such as Jurickson Profar and Joey Gallo to name a few, in order to get Volquez. Add in the fact that Volquez has said he would like to end his career in Kansas City makes things even more complicated.
Volquez is in the final year of a two-year deal with the Royals.
