Despite having the best record in the American League, the Rangers went into the All-Star break on a sour note. The main reason why was pitching, particularly the struggles with the back-end of the starting rotation.
It’s been no secret the Rangers are in the market for an upgrade. Now rumor is the upgrade could be coming from San Diego, site of this year’s All-Star Game.
According to Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports, the Rangers are interesting in Padres All-Star left-hander Drew Pomeranz. Of course, it would take the right kind of deal for the Padres to let go of their best pitcher.
The 27-year old is 8-7 with a 2.47 ERA and 115 strikeouts this season for San Diego. One worry is that Pomeranz has already reached a career-high in inning pitched for a season with 102 in the first half.
What helps make Pomeranz one of the most appealing players available going into the trade deadline is the money. He’s making $1.35 million this season and has two years of arbitration eligibility left. It’s a good deal for a team looking for a pitcher at the right price. It also helps the Padres shed some salary and set up for the future.
The 6-foot-6, 240 pound lefty is a curveball machine who throws it almost half the time and in all situations. Pomeranz can elevate the mid-90’s four-seam fastball, aiming glove-side around or above the belt. This has been a huge part of his success this season.
What may make the Rangers the favorites for Pomeranz is the connection to Padres general manager A.J. Preller, who is a former assistant GM for Texas. So you can see how much easier it can be for Preller and Jon Daniels to get together and play “Let’s Make A Deal.”
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Who would the Rangers give up? Is this the kind of deal that you let go of any combination of prospects such as Jurickson Profar, Lewis Brinson and Joey Gallo? Preller knows these guys due to his time with the Rangers, so you have to think those are a few of the names at the top of the Padres wish list.
The Rangers pulled off a deal like this last season for Cole Hamels and it worked. Will we see a repeat this season?
Stay tuned.
