The Rangers’ offense needs a spark. They’ve dropped seven of their last 10 games, falling below .500 with an 18-19 record.
Texas sits just 4 1/2 games out of first place in the AL West, but they’re looking up at three teams in the standings. Their pitching staff has carried the load while the lineup has underperformed.
If Texas decides to buy at the trade deadline, adding a bat or two should be the priority. Andrew Wright of Newsweek suggests they could target Ryan O’Hearn if the Orioles become sellers.
“His average is first on the team and his seven home runs tie him with [Cedric] Mullins for the team lead,” Wright says. “If he is made available, there are several teams who could use another left-handed bat in their lineup. The Red Sox, Giants, Reds and Rangers should all be interested in acquiring him.”
O’Hearn is in his walk year before hitting free agency, making him a logical trade chip for Baltimore if they decide to sell. His .304/.379/.576 slash line with seven homers, 14 RBI and a .955 OPS would provide an immediate boost to the Rangers’ struggling offense.
The Rangers have the prospect capital to get a deal done. Their farm system remains strong even after last year’s deadline moves that helped fuel their World Series run.
What makes O’Hearn particularly intriguing is his left-handed bat. He’d give Texas another power threat from that side to complement Corey Seager and Nathaniel Lowe in the lineup.
The next few weeks will determine whether the Rangers become buyers or sellers at the deadline. If they right the ship and climb back above .500, adding a bat like O’Hearn could help them defend their title.
