Texas Rangers No. 1 ‘Obvious Trade Chip’ Could Fetch Pitching Help

While most of the offseason focus has been on potential Texas Rangers free-agent targets, other pivotal moves could come via trade.

The club is in the market for bullpen help with San Diego Padres closer Josh Hader a potential free-agent signing. But the Rangers have trade options available, too, including Ezequiel Durán, who CBS Sports calls the Rangers biggest trade chip.

Durán evolved from strictly a middle infielder to a player who could reliably play at first, second, third and shortstop. He did that in 2023 for the Rangers, working mostly at shortstop — when Corey Seager was hurt — and in left field. His outfield playing time was limited when Evan Carter was called up on Sept. 8.

His offensive tools improved, as he slashed .276/.324/.443/.768 with 14 home runs and 46 RBI. When he subbed for Seager at shortstop, he was a .300 hitter.

The Rangers have a logjam of young players, and Durán is at the forefront because Seager plays his natural position, and Marcus Semien plays his second-natural position at second base. Plus, the Rangers have a steady, productive player at every position, along with prospects like Wyatt Langford at Triple-A.

That could make him a valuable trade piece for the Rangers if they’re seeking to acquire frontline starting pitching or relief help this offseason, as CBS Sports writes:

CBS listed three teams with middle infield needs as potential landing spots — the Milwaukee Brewers, Boston Red Sox and Chicago White Sox.