Blue Jays Top Destination For Rebounding Rangers Starting Pitcher
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The Texas Rangers have taken quite the fall from their 2023 World Series championship run, and despite being 2 1/2 games out of a wild card spot, the team has not looked the same over the past two seasons.
This regression has them leaning towards sellers at the deadline, and according to Kiley McDaniel and Jeff Passan of ESPN, ranked Rangers starter Tyler Mahle as the No. 24 trade candidate leading up to the deadline.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 10: Tyler Mahle #51 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of the game at Target Field on June 10, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
MINNEAPOLIS, MINNESOTA - JUNE 10: Tyler Mahle #51 of the Texas Rangers pitches against the Minnesota Twins in the first inning of the game at Target Field on June 10, 2025 in Minneapolis, Minnesota.
Photo byMahle underwent Tommy John surgery in 2023 and returned for three games last season but has been outstanding this season, posting a 2.34 ERA in 14 starts for the Rangers.
Mahle went on the injured list on June 15th with right shoulder fatigue, and there is no timeline to return as of now, but if Mahle returns before the deadline and continues to impress, depending on the Rangers' fortune without him, he could be suiting up elsewhere in August.
Passan and McDaniel gave Mahle a 30% chance of being traded, but if he is, the Toronto Blue Jays were on the list of top destinations for the starting pitcher.
Toronto's starters have been among the worst in baseball, with the group ranking No. 26 in ERA in Major League Baseball. One constant of October contenders is pitching, and if the Blue Jays are serious about contending this season, they have to address the issue at the trade deadline.
If the Rangers struggle over the next couple of weeks, they could decide to move off of Mahle's expiring contract and prepare to return to October next season.
More MLB: Red Sox Manager Alex Cora Gives Encouraging Update On Slugging Outfielder
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