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The Texas Rangers continue to battle the Seattle Mariners for first place in the American League West. Right now Texas has a 1.5-game lead one week before the MLB trade deadline.
With a strong finish to July and a productive start to August, Texas has an opportunity to create additional separation in the division race. Even so, the front office may still need to reinforce the roster if the Rangers hope to strengthen their position for a postseason run.
The bullpen remains the team’s most pressing concern.
Although Texas has received outstanding production from Jacob Latz, who owns a 1.69 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 20 saves in 48 innings across 38 appearances (one start), adding another experienced late-inning reliever could further solidify the relief corps.
Several other relievers have contributed throughout the season, but another pitcher capable of handling high-leverage situations and closing games would provide valuable depth entering October.
One intriguing option is San Diego Padres left-hander Adrian Morejon.
The Padres face an important decision before the Aug. 3 deadline.
Whether president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller decides to buy or sell, Morejon is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. That makes him one of the most interesting relief pitchers available.
Rather than risk losing him without compensation, San Diego could explore moving him while his value remains high.
Morejon has developed into one of the hardest-throwing left-handed pitchers in MLB. If Mason Miller remains with the Padres through the deadline, Morejon could become the top reliever moved before the trade window closes.
AJ Cassavell from MLB.com also noted the similarities between the current situation and what unfolded with Josh Hader in 2023.
Cassavell explained that Morejon is headed for free agency and could command a substantial contract, making it reasonable for the Padres to consider maximizing his trade value now.
He also referenced San Diego’s decision to keep Hader through the 2023 season before he departed during free agency, suggesting the organization could face a comparable scenario.
“He’s a free agent after the season, and likely to fetch a significant haul. Remember 2023 when the Padres hung onto Josh Hader, the best lefty reliever in the game, before he walked during the offseason? I think it’s pretty similar, even if Morejon doesn’t quite have that track record,” Cassavell wrote.
Morejon is 8-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with one save and 16 holds in 56.1 innings over 49 appearances this season. He’s recorded 63 strikeouts against 14 walks.
For the Rangers, adding a reliever of Morejon’s caliber would strengthen a bullpen that already features dependable arms. It would also give manager Skip Schumaker another trusted option during the game’s most important moments.
In a competitive division race, that type of addition could prove valuable over the final two months of the regular season and into the postseason.
Morejon has steadily developed into one of MLB’s most reliable late-inning pitchers because of his composure, aggressiveness, and ability to thrive under pressure.
He attacks hitters with confidence and has shown the versatility to handle a variety of bullpen roles depending on his team’s needs.
His competitive mindset allows him to embrace difficult situations rather than avoid them, a quality that every contender values in the postseason.
Beyond his talent, Morejon has demonstrated resilience throughout his professional career, overcoming challenges while continuing to refine his approach.
His maturity, adaptability, and willingness to accept responsibility in meaningful games make him an attractive target for teams pursuing a World Series.
He also brings experience in high-leverage situations, which helps explain why he is expected to draw significant interest if the Padres make him available before the trade deadline.
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With a strong finish to July and a productive start to August, Texas has an opportunity to create additional separation in the division race. Even so, the front office may still need to reinforce the roster if the Rangers hope to strengthen their position for a postseason run.
The bullpen remains the team’s most pressing concern.
Although Texas has received outstanding production from Jacob Latz, who owns a 1.69 ERA, 0.65 WHIP and 20 saves in 48 innings across 38 appearances (one start), adding another experienced late-inning reliever could further solidify the relief corps.
Several other relievers have contributed throughout the season, but another pitcher capable of handling high-leverage situations and closing games would provide valuable depth entering October.
Why Morejon can help Rangers
One intriguing option is San Diego Padres left-hander Adrian Morejon.
The Padres face an important decision before the Aug. 3 deadline.
Whether president of baseball operations and general manager A.J. Preller decides to buy or sell, Morejon is scheduled to become a free agent after the season. That makes him one of the most interesting relief pitchers available.
Rather than risk losing him without compensation, San Diego could explore moving him while his value remains high.
Morejon has developed into one of the hardest-throwing left-handed pitchers in MLB. If Mason Miller remains with the Padres through the deadline, Morejon could become the top reliever moved before the trade window closes.
AJ Cassavell from MLB.com also noted the similarities between the current situation and what unfolded with Josh Hader in 2023.
Cassavell explained that Morejon is headed for free agency and could command a substantial contract, making it reasonable for the Padres to consider maximizing his trade value now.
He also referenced San Diego’s decision to keep Hader through the 2023 season before he departed during free agency, suggesting the organization could face a comparable scenario.
“He’s a free agent after the season, and likely to fetch a significant haul. Remember 2023 when the Padres hung onto Josh Hader, the best lefty reliever in the game, before he walked during the offseason? I think it’s pretty similar, even if Morejon doesn’t quite have that track record,” Cassavell wrote.
Morejon is 8-2 with a 3.20 ERA and 1.08 WHIP with one save and 16 holds in 56.1 innings over 49 appearances this season. He’s recorded 63 strikeouts against 14 walks.
For the Rangers, adding a reliever of Morejon’s caliber would strengthen a bullpen that already features dependable arms. It would also give manager Skip Schumaker another trusted option during the game’s most important moments.
In a competitive division race, that type of addition could prove valuable over the final two months of the regular season and into the postseason.
Morejon’s value
Morejon has steadily developed into one of MLB’s most reliable late-inning pitchers because of his composure, aggressiveness, and ability to thrive under pressure.
He attacks hitters with confidence and has shown the versatility to handle a variety of bullpen roles depending on his team’s needs.
His competitive mindset allows him to embrace difficult situations rather than avoid them, a quality that every contender values in the postseason.
Beyond his talent, Morejon has demonstrated resilience throughout his professional career, overcoming challenges while continuing to refine his approach.
His maturity, adaptability, and willingness to accept responsibility in meaningful games make him an attractive target for teams pursuing a World Series.
He also brings experience in high-leverage situations, which helps explain why he is expected to draw significant interest if the Padres make him available before the trade deadline.
Join the Community
Don’t miss out on our ROUNDTABLE community and the latest news!
It’s completely free to join. Share your thoughts, engage with our Roundtable writers, and chat with fellow members.
Download the free Roundtable APP, and stay even more connected!
Continue reading...
