The Texas Rangers have now lost 7 of the first 10 games of the shortened 2020 season. It may be a little early for this conversation with the expanded playoffs and 50 games left in the season. However, it appears there are two power houses at the top of the division so it is “getting late” this early in the season for the Rangers.

In 2019, the Rangers decided against making any moves besides dealing Chris Martin to the Atlanta Braves for Kolby Allard. They held on to Danny Santana, Mike Minor and Lance Lynn. They also didn’t move Jose Leclerc and even gave him a contract extension. I have a feeling this year may be different.

The MLB trade deadline is August 31 this season so I am going to start looking at names that could be dealt if things don’t turn around in a hurry for the Rangers.

Lance Lynn

I can honestly say I feel bad for Lance Lynn and his luck the first three starts this season. He only has one win despite pitching 18.1 innings and only giving up one run in those three starts. The offense’s struggles obviously go beyond just Lynn starts but he deserves better. Lynn has this year plus one more remaining on his contract at a very affordable $10 million a season, so that could be attractive for a team that is in the hunt. 

A masterpiece. pic.twitter.com/N53HDQTFSZ

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 5, 2020

Mike Minor 

Is it officially baseball season before Mike Minor is thrown in trade rumors? I am starting those talks right now, which I am sure he will be happy about after saying he didn’t sign with the Rangers to be traded when trade rumors were floating around. He also has been open to signing a contract extension that keeps him in Texas.

The Rangers have passed on trading Minor the past two seasons but I think 2020 might be the right time to finally make a deal. I know Minor is in the final year of his contract and his value would have been higher last season but the Rangers must continue to add to the farm system. The Rangers have been rebuilding since 2017 and they should be nearing the end of the rebuild but I am not positive that is the case.

Shin Soo-Choo

Choo has been virtually un-tradable in previous years due to his contract. Now that he is in the final year of his contract I have to wonder if that could change for a team looking for a veteran bat to plug in their lineup. Choo, like most Rangers, has gotten off to a slow start but he has homered in 3 straight starts after Wednesday night’s game in Oakland.

Shin-Soo "First Pitch" Choo. pic.twitter.com/wZNNVA3kvX

— Texas Rangers (@Rangers) August 6, 2020

ICYMI: Our own Alex Plinck spoke with Levi Weaver of The Athletic on his Rangers Fanatic Podcast.