Saturday trade sends a clear message to Texas Rangers roster hopefuls
The Rangers like Isiah Kiner-Falefa but made themselves better by acquiring catcher Mitch Garver from the Twins.
No one with the Texas Rangers was pining to trade Isiah Kiner-Falefa.
The Rangers like how hard he plays, the engine he brings and the leadership qualities he took on last season. He’s pretty handy with a glove in his hand, too, and the thought is there is more to come offensively.
But the Rangers did trade him, Saturday morning, to the Minnesota Twins for catcher Mitch Garver. The Rangers also included pitching prospect Ronny Henriquez, who has never pitched above Double A.
Carve it up however you’d like, but the Rangers are a better team.
They upgraded offensively at a position where offense is at a premium. They have quality depth at catcher, and Garver can be an option at first base on days when he isn’t catching.
And the Rangers aren’t finished working on their 2022 roster. They need a third baseman with Kiner-Falefa gone and Josh Jung out. They want another starting pitcher, even after agreeing to terms with Martin Perez, and they would like another outfielder.
Players have been put on notice ahead of the first spring workout Monday, without being told directly, that they must be better to extend their stay with the Rangers.