As the MLB trade deadline approaches, the Texas Rangers have several areas they could strengthen, but none appears more urgent than the bullpen. While the club recently enjoyed a successful series against the Seattle Mariners by winning three of four games, questions remain about whether the current relief corps is strong enough to support a postseason push.
The Rangers have received encouraging performances from relievers such as Jacob Latz and Jakob Junis, but the front office understands that adding another dependable late-inning arm could significantly improve the team’s chances during the final stretch of the season. Reliable bullpen depth often becomes the difference between contenders and pretenders, especially in tightly contested playoff races.
The challenge, however, isn’t simply identifying talented relievers. Texas must also remain mindful of its payroll. Reports indicate the organization prefers to avoid taking on major financial commitments despite still sitting comfortably below the first competitive balance tax threshold. That means president of baseball operations Chris Young will likely search for value instead of pursuing the most expensive names available.
Young has developed a reputation for finding productive players without sacrificing the club’s financial flexibility, and this year’s deadline may require another creative approach. With many teams still deciding whether they will buy or sell, the relief market remains difficult to predict. Prices could fluctuate considerably as the deadline draws closer.
Several relievers around the league could become realistic targets for Texas without requiring blockbuster packages or overwhelming salary commitments.
One intriguing possibility is Miami Marlins reliever Anthony Bender. Miami’s disappointing season could encourage the organization to move veterans in exchange for future assets. Bender has quietly enjoyed an impressive campaign, combining effective command with the ability to miss bats despite not possessing elite velocity. After returning successfully from Tommy John surgery, he has re-established himself as one of Miami’s dependable bullpen pieces.
This season, Bender has posted a 2.62 ERA while striking out 41 hitters across 31 innings. He has also limited opposing hitters with solid control, issuing only 12 walks. Financially, he represents a manageable option, as the Rangers would only be responsible for the remainder of his $2.81 million salary while also retaining team control for another season.
Another potential fit is Detroit Tigers reliever Drew Anderson. After spending several seasons pitching in the Korean Baseball Organization, Anderson returned to Major League Baseball and has displayed an impressive ability to generate strikeouts. His overall ERA may not immediately stand out, but his strikeout numbers suggest he has the type of swing-and-miss arsenal that can thrive in high-pressure situations.
Through 37 appearances, Anderson owns a 4.25 ERA with 74 strikeouts in 59.1 innings. At 32 years old, he also has a club option for 2027, adding value beyond the current season. The primary obstacle is financial, as Texas would need to absorb the remainder of his $7 million contract, making him one of the more expensive names on this list.
The Rangers could also consider New York Mets reliever Huascar Brazobán. His combination of velocity, versatility and ground-ball tendencies makes him an attractive option for any contender seeking bullpen reinforcements. Because he can work in multiple roles, he offers flexibility that many teams value at the trade deadline.
Brazobán has produced a strong season, compiling a 2.70 ERA across 43 appearances while recording 46 strikeouts over 50 innings. He remains relatively inexpensive, with only the remainder of his $1.05 million salary owed this year, and his years of team control extend well beyond the current season. Those factors could increase his trade value, meaning the Mets may demand a stronger prospect return.
Camilo Doval is another reliever who could interest Texas if the Yankees decide to move him. Although his results have been inconsistent this season, Doval has already demonstrated that he possesses closer-quality talent. His electric arm and previous All-Star success suggest there is still considerable upside if he can regain consistent command.
Doval has appeared in 42 games this season, producing a 4.74 ERA with 38 strikeouts in 38 innings. Acquiring him would require the Rangers to take on the remainder of his $6.1 million salary. The organization would also need to determine whether his recent struggles are temporary or signs of long-term decline. A new environment could potentially help him rediscover the form that once made him one of baseball’s elite relievers.
One familiar name for Rangers fans is Brock Burke, who previously spent several seasons in Texas before continuing his career with the Cincinnati Reds. Burke has successfully revived his performance and once again become a dependable late-inning option. His experience with the Rangers could make him a comfortable fit if the club explored a reunion.
Burke has compiled a 2.66 ERA while making frequent appearances out of Cincinnati’s bullpen. He has struck out 43 batters over 50.2 innings and remains an affordable option, with only the remainder of his $2.33 million salary owed before reaching free agency. Still, Texas already has multiple left-handed relievers, which could reduce the urgency of pursuing another pitcher from that side.
Ultimately, the Rangers’ approach to the trade deadline will likely revolve around balancing performance with affordability. The front office clearly recognizes the need for bullpen reinforcements, but financial discipline will influence every decision. Whether Texas chooses a proven veteran, a controllable reliever, or a rebound candidate, strengthening the bullpen appears to be the organization’s highest priority.
If the Rangers can successfully add one or two dependable late-inning arms without significantly increasing payroll, they could place themselves in a much stronger position to compete down the stretch and improve their chances of making a deep postseason run.
