It's been a long year for the Texas Rangers. After winning the World Series last fall, they were expected to be one of the top teams in the American League.
However, their title defense hasn't gone according to plan. The Rangers enter a series with the Pittsburgh Pirates on Monday at 57-68, 12 1/2 games back in the Wild Card race and 11 back in the AL West.
Last summer, their AL West rivals, the Los Angeles Angels got rid of several players before the August 31 waiver deadline. Players such as Lucas Giolito, Matt Moore, and Reynaldo Lopez were on the move.
However, despite being out of contention, the Rangers appear unlikely to follow in the Halos' footsteps, according to Bob Nightengale of USA Today.
"Texas Rangers GM Chris Young, who for some reason still is awaiting ownership to sign him to a new contract after winning the World Series last year, says they have no plans to DFA their players on expiring contracts just to save money, as the Angels did a year ago to get under the luxury tax," Nightengale wrote.
Even with the Rangers out of contention, it appears that they'll be hanging onto players such as Nathan Eovaldi, Kirby Yates, David Robertson, and Jose Leclerc.
Ultimately, that may be the right decision. Eovaldi has a vesting option for 2025 that could kick in if he reaches 300 innings over his first two years with the Rangers, and if the Rangers want to contend in 2025, they would be best served holding onto.
Getting rid of players might also send the wrong message to the fanbase after they experienced a thrilling ride last October. It might be perceived as the Rangers attempting a teardown.
But it's clear that as of now, the Rangers have no plans to do what the Angels did late last summer. Instead, they'll hold onto their assets and finish out the season.
It is likely that Texas will finish below the .500 mark this year, taking a massive step backwards after their first title.
More MLB: Rangers rumored to be in the running for injured Guardians ace
