Former Red Sox All-Star Called 'Potential Solution' For Rangers Via Trade

Texas is playing well but isn't without roster needs

Jul 26, 2024; Toronto, Ontario, CAN; A hat and glove of a Texas Rangers player during a game against the Toronto Blue Jays at Rogers Centre. Mandatory Credit: John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images | John E. Sokolowski-Imagn Images

The Texas Rangers are leading the American League West right now, but trading for a former Boston Red Sox pitcher could put them over the top.

Texas entered Wednesday with an impressive 14-9 record on the season, giving them a two-game lead in the division over the Seattle Mariners.

As the Rangers look ahead to July’s trade deadline, acquiring a closer is likely to be a priority, as noted by Bleacher Report’s Kerry Miller in a recent piece. Miller suggested three arms for Texas who could be available: St. Louis Cardinals’ Ryan Helsley, Washington Nationals’ Kyle Finnegan, and Los Angeles Angels’ Kenley Jansen.

“The Rangers made a bunch of additions to their bullpen this offseason, but most of them seemed like seventh-inning solutions,” Miller wrote.

“It almost felt like their plan all along was to trade for closer in July if they were going to be in a "buying" position. … Potential Solutions: Ryan Helsley, Kyle Finnegan, Kenley Jansen.”

Jansen, who might also be pursued by the Yankees given their Devin Williams situation, is on a one-year, $10 million deal with Los Angeles (per Spotrac).

If the Angels keep sinking in the standings (11-11, fourth in the AL West entering Wednesday), they might be okay with trading Jansen within the division due to his expiring deal.

The 37-year-old Jansen has a 0.00 ERA this year in seven appearances for Los Angeles.

Keep an eye on Jansen in connection to multiple teams (including the Red Sox) if the Angels keep losing.

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