Rangers Set Sights on Cardinals’ Phil Maton and Royals’ Hunter Harvey for Bullpen Boost
The MLB trade deadline is fast approaching and the Texas Rangers are making moves to strengthen their bullpen for a potential postseason run. According to sources, the team has their eyes on two key relievers: Phil Maton of the St. Louis Cardinals and Hunter Harvey of the Kansas City Royals.
Maton, a right-handed pitcher, has been a reliable option out of the bullpen for the Cardinals this season. In 35 appearances, he has a 3.60 ERA and 44 strikeouts in 35 innings pitched. The 28-year-old has also shown versatility, being able to pitch in high-pressure situations as well as in longer relief outings.
Meanwhile, Harvey, a former first-round draft pick, has had a solid season for the Royals. The 26-year-old right-hander has a 3.38 ERA in 24 appearances and has shown flashes of dominance with his fastball and slider combination.
The Rangers are in need of bullpen help as they currently sit in third place in the AL West and are fighting for a wild card spot. With the trade deadline looming, the team is looking to bolster their relief pitching in order to make a strong push for the playoffs.
Both Maton and Harvey would bring valuable experience and talent to the Rangers’ bullpen, providing much-needed depth and stability for the remainder of the season. It remains to be seen if the team will be able to strike a deal with either the Cardinals or the Royals, but one thing is for sure: the Rangers are determined to make a splash before the trade deadline and solidify their chances at a postseason run.
The Texas Rangers are making moves as the MLB trade deadline approaches, with their sights set on bolstering their bullpen. According to Ken Rosenthal of MLB Network, the Rangers have expressed interest in two relievers from the St. Louis Cardinals and Kansas City Royals, respectively.
For a team still in the hunt for a postseason spot, shoring up their bullpen has become a top priority. Despite having a talented core, the Rangers have struggled with inconsistency from their relievers all season, resulting in a below-average bullpen ERA. In response, the front office is actively seeking options to stabilize their late-inning situations.
One potential target for the Rangers is Phil Maton of the Cardinals. The right-hander, who joined St. Louis this past offseason, brings valuable postseason experience and a deceptive fastball-cutter mix that has proven effective in high-pressure situations. While the Cardinals have made it known that they are open to making trades, they are prioritizing moving pitchers before considering offers for position players. The Rangers’ interest in Maton aligns with their recent trade deadline strategy of acquiring controllable arms with playoff experience.
Another option for the Rangers is Hunter Harvey of the Royals. The hard-throwing reliever has shown flashes of elite velocity and strikeout potential when healthy. However, injuries have plagued his career thus far. Despite this, Harvey’s performance in 2021 has caught the attention of multiple contending teams, including the Rangers. With the Royals out of playoff contention, they are looking to trade controllable assets for prospects.
Both the Cardinals and Royals are expected to be sellers at the trade deadline, making it advantageous for the Rangers to act quickly. With other teams also in the market for bullpen help, the Rangers may face stiff competition. However, with their history of bold moves under general manager Chris Young, it wouldn’t be surprising if they are able to secure a key reliever before the July 31 deadline.
