The Texas Rangers face long odds to make the playoffs this season and may benefit from offloading some expiring contracts.
Winning consecutive championships is a rare feat in baseball, as highlighted by the Texas Rangers’ likely failure to defend their World Series title. Unless they stage an incredible comeback, the Rangers will be the 24th consecutive MLB team unable to repeat as champions, a feat last achieved by the 1998-2000 New York Yankees.
Despite high expectations, Texas finds itself 10 games under .500 with only six weeks left in the regular season. They trail the AL West leader by 11 games and face stiff competition for a Wild Card spot. Although they still harbor hopes of a late-season surge, the Rangers may be better served by looking to the future and considering placing a few key players with expiring contracts on waivers. Ken Rosenthal of The Athletic recently suggested this possibility.
While this approach may be tough for the team and its fans, it could help the Rangers prepare for the future. The team still has a strong core that could contend next season, and freeing up some salary now could give them more flexibility in the offseason.
Lefty Starter with Postseason Experience Could Be Waived
The Rangers have had a tumultuous time with their pitching staff in recent seasons, with injuries forcing them to use 12 different starting pitchers this year. The rotation will become even more crowded with the expected returns of Jon Gray and Jacob deGrom. Currently, Nathan Eovaldi, Tyler Mahle, Dane Dunning, Cody Bradford, and Andrew Heaney are in the rotation, with Mahle, Dunning, and Bradford under contract for next season. Eovaldi could trigger a $20 million player option for 2025 if he pitches 29 more innings.
Andrew Heaney, a veteran lefty on the final year of his two-year, $25 million contract, is a candidate for waivers. Heaney has posted a 4.20 ERA and a 3.51 strikeout-to-walk ratio in 2024, numbers consistent with his career averages. Despite not being a standout ace, Heaney has been solid, though unlucky, as evidenced by his 4-13 record. He has performed well in quality starts, but a lack of run support has hindered his win total.
While Heaney may not be a game-changer, he could be a reliable addition for a contending team, especially given his postseason experience with Texas last year. With Gray and deGrom returning, the Rangers may decide that Heaney is expendable, and a playoff contender could benefit from acquiring his services.
Rangers All-Star Closer Could Help a Playoff Push
Kirby Yates has had a remarkable resurgence, proving he still has the skills of an elite reliever. After a limited role from 2020-2022, Yates posted a 3.28 ERA in 2023 with the Atlanta Braves and has continued his success with Texas this season, recording 22 saves in 23 opportunities with a 1.33 ERA.
Though Yates has flown under the radar, he earned an All-Star selection this year and pitched a scoreless inning in the Midsummer Classic. Despite his success, Yates is unlikely to receive a multi-year contract in free agency due to his age, as he will turn 38 before next season.
Yates might prefer signing with a proven contender to maximize his chances of winning a championship. While the Rangers opted not to trade him at the deadline, their recent slide in the standings means they may no longer have use for a reliever of his caliber. Placing Yates on waivers could allow a playoff-bound team to claim him.
Veteran Speedster Could Add Depth for a Contender
Travis Jankowski, a lesser-known player, could also be waived by the Rangers. The 33-year-old outfielder played a significant role for Texas last season, appearing in 100 games and posting a .357 OBP with 19 steals. However, his performance has declined in 2024, hitting just .200 with a .499 OPS in 79 games. His playing time has decreased since May, with most of his recent appearances coming as a pinch runner or defensive replacement.
While Jankowski’s contributions this season have been limited, he could still provide value as a speed and defense option off the bench for a contending team. He has playoff experience, having gone 2-for-4 with two RBIs in Game 4 of the 2023 World Series, and could be a useful addition to a team’s postseason roster. Although Jankowski may not be in the Rangers’ plans for next season, a playoff contender in need of speed might find him worth adding.
