The latest offseason Texas Rangers rumors suggest the team could make a run at a trade for Oakland Athletics first baseman Matt Olson.
Matt Olson might just be the best player traded this offseason. The Oakland Athletics first baseman has been linked to several teams, mostly those who also have a goal to add Freddie Freeman. The latest Texas Rangers rumors suggest they could be the next team to get involved in the battle royale for Olson.
According to Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News, the Rangers have “already begun investigating” the cost to acquire Olson in a trade with the AL West rival Athletics.
Rangers rumors have been relatively quiet during the lockout with the team seemingly comfortable with some of the big splashes they already did make. This is the same club that has already added Marcus Semien at second base and Corey Seager at shortstop. The next addition could be locking up first base with one of the best available players out there.
Rangers rumors: What would a Matt Olson trade cost Texas?
Grant suggests Nathaniel Lowe, the team’s expected starting first baseman at the moment, would be the start of the trade. In addition to him, a couple of prospects would need to head Oakland’s way.
The Athletics aren’t in a position to take on too many guys already on the MLB clock making more than the league minimum. Lowe won’t be eligible for arbitration until 2024 which sets up well with the timeline in Oakland. They’re undergoing a huge rebuild with the main focus being to shed as much salary as possible while also receiving as many youngsters as they can in any trade. Their hope should be that all of those young players get good at the same time and maybe then they can compete.
Just because these two play in the same division shouldn’t put an end to any Rangers rumors involving a deal with Oakland whether it be for Olson or any other player on the roster. Oakland is going to take the best deal they can get.
The Rangers should proceed with some caution. Their rotation now has Jon Gray in it and a few promising young arms under 30 such as Dane Dunning and Spencer Howard. Even if they could pull off a deal for Olson, it doesn’t give them the firepower in the rotation most teams need in order to compete. Their interest in Olson, however, could be more of a long-term plan. Under control for two more seasons, he’s certainly a candidate for the Rangers to trade then sign to an extension.