Rival Rangers of the Houston Astros Include Their Own Superstar Closer in Trade Idea.
The Houston Astros surprised a lot of people by spending big money on Josh Hader during the offseason.
The narrative for the winter was that owner Jim Crane did not want to exceed the luxury tax threshold, therefore the front office had a small budget to deal with.
The Astros’ roster remained unchanged even as clubs in its vicinity made progress.
They then had to reconsider this position because they are still within the window to win a championship after suffering a season-ending injury.
With Hader in the pen, their back end becomes one of the most feared groups in the league, which should allay a lot of fears heading into the season.
By signing him, the club was also able to avoid their division foe Texas Rangers, who, with a 48% save rate, are in dire need of bullpen improvements.
Zachary D. Rymer of Bleacher Report ranks the Rangers as the fourth-best destination for superstar closer Emmanuel Clase of the Cleveland Guardians, after missing out on Hader.
To get the top reliever back, he needs to trade infielder Ezequiel Duran to Texas and their third-ranked prospect, shortstop Sebastian Walcott.
Duran has been on the Major League roster for the past two seasons, but it wasn’t until he played 122 games and hit.293 in 2023 that he truly broke through.276/.324/.443, with 46 RBI and 14 home runs.
The 17-year-old Walcott advanced to High Single-A during his rookie season of professional baseball.
If the Guardians are interested in beginning a reconstruction, these players might be the cornerstones around which they build.
The Rangers would also benefit from the transaction.
They not only need to duplicate what Houston just accomplished, but they also have a “win now” window due to their recent World Series victory and large contract obligations.
It is a no-brainer to trade away these two guys in exchange for an elite closer with two club options and a three-year contract.
The Astros will face competition to capture their fourth straight AL West division championship if this change takes place.
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