With Evan Carter still injured, the Texas Rangers need to make this deal last minute before the 2024 MLB trade deadline.

Rangers must close one final deal

Last movements

The Rangers made a number of roster moves on Monday. Infielder Josh Jung and pitcher Cody Bradford were both activated from the injured list, according to Texas Rangers PR. Starting pitcher Jon Gray was placed on the 15-day IL. Additionally, outfielder Evan Carter was moved to the 60-day IL following his latest setback.

Rangers transactions for Monday: photo.twitter.com/g6c42uOYP8

— Texas Rangers PR (@TXRangersPR) July 29, 2024

Texas has been relatively quiet on the trade front, however. They traded starting pitcher Michael Lorenzen to the Kansas City Royals on Monday and acquired catcher Carson Kelly from the Detroit Tigers over the weekend. With Carter still battling a back injury, the Rangers may want to consider making one final trade to add outfield help.

Rangers Should Trade For This Cubs Outfielder

The Rangers are looking to make a playoff run in 2024. They’ve had a mixed season. However, it wouldn’t be a bad idea to acquire a left-handed hitter with defensive expertise.

The Chicago Cubs announced Monday night that Cody Bellinger has returned from the 10-day injured list. Teams have until 6 p.m. EST on Tuesday to make a trade. The Rangers may be able to acquire Bellinger cheaply, as he is coming off an injury.

The #Cubs Today, OF added Cody Bellinger to the injured list for 10 days. photo.twitter.com/S3xhXtao0N

— Chicago Cubs (@Cubs) July 29, 2024

Chicago may not even be open to trading Bellinger. That said, the Cubs will likely trade him, and Bellinger has an opt-out in his contract after the season. The Cubs don’t want to risk losing Bellinger in free agency without getting something in return.

Bellinger, 29, has a .269/.331/.410/.742 batting average through 79 games played in 2024. While he has failed to match his impressive results from 2023, Bellinger’s potential still makes him an attractive trade candidate for the Rangers.

Rangers’ Outfield Underperforms in 2024

Texas’ outfield hasn’t lived up to expectations in 2024. Rookie Wyatt Langford will be a star at some point. He’s still developing, though. Veterans Leody Taveras and Robbie Grossman haven’t produced much offensive value. Adolis Garcia offers power, but he’s hitting just .212 with a .277 OBP.

In other words, the Rangers need an outfield upgrade. Bellinger hasn’t had his best season at the plate. Maybe a fresh start in Texas would help him find his groove.

The Rangers need to act quickly as the trade deadline rapidly approaches. Historically, teams have made some of their most notable moves on the final day of the deadline.

Main photo credits: Raymond Carlin III-USA TODAY Sports