Mets: Three dark horse trade partners as deadline approaches

By Emmanuel Pepis

Jul 19, 2017

NEW YORK, NY - APRIL 21: Mets General Manager Sandy Alderson attends batting practice prior to a game between the New York Mets and the Atlanta Braves at Citi Field on April 21, 2015 in the Flushing neighborhood of the Queens borough of New York City. (Photo by Alex Trautwig/Getty Images) /

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The Rangers are a part of the wild, wild, Wild Card race in the American League although it could be asked who isn’t at this point. Texas is one of five teams who are four games back or fewer of the second wild card despite having a sub-.500 record at 45-48.

Here’s where it could get dicey for Texas. They don’t have a deep farm system to deal from so that limits their options. They desperately need help in a bullpen help after things fell apart in the back end with Sam Dyson’s poor performance and eventual exit from Arlington. The Rangers could inquire about Addison Reed, but again they’re chasing other teams who have better farm systems.

Where Texas can get involved if they wish is for Lucas Duda. The power hitting first baseman is in competition with Yonder Alonso who is having his best professional season. Justin Bour could be a candidate as well depending on how the Marlins’ sale situation works out. Duda could be the option that comes cheaper for the Rangers.

The Rangers have already been rumored to be after Chris Carter. Duda would certainly be an upgrade at the same position. Texas has had bottom level production at first base this year, ranking 28^th in batting average, tied for 28^th in on-base percentage, and totaling the 4^th-most strikeouts.

If the Yankees go in a different direction with Alonso or Bour then the Rangers could get in the mix on Duda at a bargain price.