With the Rangers sitting at 34-44 and well out of playoff contention, they’ve made third baseman Adrian Beltre, closer Keone Kela and reliever Jake Diekman available on the trade market, Evan Grant of the Dallas Morning News reports.
Even though Beltre is a franchise icon, this isn’t the first time the Rangers have put him on the market. They previously did so during the offseason, according to Grant, who adds that there wasn’t much interest in Beltre then. At the time, Beltre was coming off an injury-shortened season, though he still managed a lofty .312/.383/.532 batting line with 17 home runs and 3.1 fWAR across 94 games and 389 plate appearances.
This season – Beltre’s age-39 campaign – hasn’t gone as well for the future Hall of Famer, but he has still drawn reported interest from at least two playoff contenders. Beltre has endured a pair of stints on the disabled list because of hamstring issues, thus limiting him to 47 games and 192 PAs thus far. He looks healthy now, but because there’s no designated hitter in the National League, injury concerns could limit Beltre’s market to mostly AL teams, Grant notes. Any club acquiring Beltre would be landing a still-useful hitter, as shown by his .314/.365/.456 line this year, though his power hasn’t been as evident (four home runs, .142 ISO).
While Beltre has remained a capable player despite his injury issues over the past couple seasons, there are other complications that could stand in the way of a deal. For one, Beltre has 10-and-5 rights which would enable him to block a trade anywhere. Beltre also isn’t cheap – the impending free agent’s still owed around $9.77MM through season’s end – and could be part of a market featuring other established third base options in Manny Machado, Mike Moustakas and Josh Donaldson, as Grant points out.
Unlike Beltre, Kela can’t prevent a deal from happening, nor is he expensive. The 25-year-old’s on a $1.2MM salary this season and comes with arbitration control through the 2021 campaign. In his first extensive action as a closer this year, the flamethrowing Kela has upped his value by converting all 17 of his save opportunities and posting a 3.67 ERA with 11.0 K/9 and 3.67 BB/9 over 27 innings. While Kela has only logged a 35.4 percent groundball rate, he has partially offset that with a 20 percent infield fly mark – good for a 13th-place tie among qualified relievers. Kela’s penchant for inducing harmless pop-ups has helped limit his home runs allowed to .68 per nine, which easily outdoes the league-average figure for relievers (1.01).
The 31-year-old Diekman has joined Kela in serving as a bright spot for Texas’ bullpen this season. Diekman’s performance has been especially encouraging after he missed most of last season following a procedure in which he had his colon removed. Diekman was an effective big league reliever prior to the surgery, and he has picked up where he left off this season. Thus far, the left-hander has notched a 2.96 ERA with 11.52 K/9 and a 50 percent grounder rate over 27 1/3 innings, though he has also walked 5.27 batters per nine. And Diekman carries a significant reverse platoon split, as lefties have slashed .303/.452/.424 against him and righties have limped to a .171/.256/.246 line. Struggles against lefties are unusual for Diekman, who has held them a .222/.319/.295 mark in his career.
Given his remaining team control, there’s no pressure on the Rangers to part with Kela if they’re unable to find a deal to their liking. But Diekman is an impending free agent, making the hard-throwing veteran an obvious trade candidate. Diekman’s on an affordable salary ($2,712,500), which seems to make a trade all the more likely by the non-waiver deadline on July 31.
What would it take to get Beltre? Would a package if Fried, Wentz, and say someone like Dustin Peterson get it done for the braves? Or would it take a lot more?
it wouldn’t take much, there’s no market for him. If the Braves for some reason would want him (they don’t) we’re probably talking in the neighborhood of Sims or Wisler and low level prospects.
No market for Beltre? You wish you had him on your team. Or maybe not if you know nothing about baseball or one of its greatest active players.
This is what happens when the rangers have a bad season. Their fans get on the internet and lash out.
You need to understand players are traded for what value they will bring, not a career achievement package for the Rangers. He’s old, expensive and dealing with injuries, his market is not that great. Nobody disputes what he’s done over the years but won’t bring too big of a haul from any team taking him on for the second half of the season.
Well MadmanTX has always lashed out, regardless of how the Rangers are playing
Yes Beltre is one of the greatest active all time players. He’s also 39 and has missed 31 games this year. He hasn’t hit for any power and it’s obvious that he has limited range at 3B. A 29 year old FA might be able to get by on past performance. A 39 year old only has value off of what they’re doing now. A team could probably acquire Belre by offering 1 or 2 B type prospects and assuming the remainder of his contract.
you’re a joke. rangers suck
If it takes Sims, Wisler, those types. I do that trade every day of the week.
Beltre isn’t getting back a top-100 prospect, let alone 2. Sorry. But TEX needs to kick in some money, with him being part of $18M this year, not including only being worth 1.2 WAR after missing some time. Camargo has also been worth 1.2 WAR, whom he’d be replacing, so I don’t really see a 39 y/o with substantial funds to be paid the rest of the year really be worth a top-150 prospect.
I’ll agree with Wisler/Sims and another low-level prospect.
I don’t think fried alone might get the trade done, throw in a few other not top 30 minor leaguers. Or cash. But I’m not sold the braves should do a trade for him, although it would be tempting
I’d love to see the Braves get Beltre. Thoughts on what it’d take to make that happen?
why? he can’t play every day, he’s got no power anymore, with no DH, he’s just a bench player that can platoon with Camargo. He would not improve the Braves much, in other words, and while he wouldn’t cost a lot, I just don’t see the point.
Then buzz off.
“No power” hits 17 homers in 94 games. “No power” he says
Those 17 homers were last season. Beltre only has 4 this year and once again is having difficulty staying on the field.
Yes, Beltre will be remembered as one of the greatest thirdbasemen of all time, but unfortunately he isn’t really that guy anymore. Do you think that any team wants to pay a high price in prospects just to have an injury sideline Beltre at the time he’d be needed most?
No team is going to pay much to acquire an injury prone aging player who hasn’t shown much power this season.
That’s cool that you used 2017 stats, not 2018….where Beltre has 3 HR’s in 46 games.
Instead of retyping the article, you might save some time by just telling AJ to read the article again.
He would be nice boost to the bench, and would provide a great clubhouse presence, could also help some of the young hitters.
Yankees! Dillon Tate and Tyler Wade for Kela. Do it and dominate the 5th through 9th (Green/Warren, Robertson, Betances, Chapman) plus you get him under team control. Kahnle can come up next year and replace Shreve who I believe will be out of options.
My trade proposal probably sucks but Kela’s new and improved delivery shows results! More lower body torque. It’s intriguing and I love him as a pitcher. Probably won’t happen but I can dream
I feel like it would take a lot more than that, especially for a young closer. Plus the Rangers already seemed all too willing to trade Tate in the first place.
You’re right. Although teams like to bring back guys they developed to sorts confirm their good work. I just love Kela. Maybe Avelino, Dermis Garcia and Tate?
You want to trade a $3m (plus penalties) investment in Garcia who has finally broken out of rookie league and is showing his massive power tool? It has been said that his power is equal to Stanton and Judge. Plus, he is only what 20? He was the #1 rated international prospect in 2014. Look how long it took for Sanchez to figure it out. Give the kid some more time and see what he becomes in the next year or 2. If he improves his defense to go along with his bat he could be something special. The Yankees have a very nice recent history of middling prospects becoming studs overnight. He could easily be the next Severino, Florial, or Mateo.
Tate is another prospect to hold onto. There was a reason he was a top #5 draft pick. The Yankees bought low on him. Why trade him when he seems to be finally showing the promise he had in college?
I know they are both nothing more than lottery ticket prospects right now but with their pedigree you have to look at them like lottery tickets that you bought after someone gave you the first 3 numbers that are guaranteed to get called. The Yankees are going to need top notch prospects to make trades as needed the next few years while this window is open. Both of these players have the tools to become top #10 prospects, which bring back the best talent. They are the exact type of lottery tickets you want to try to develop.
Okay dude. He’s barely out of rookie ball like you said. Not every prospect is going to make the major leagues. Tate isn’t going to start at the major league level and his stuff plays out better as a reliever. They would basically re-acquire him to be a dominant late inning guy. I’m not saying the Yankees will do that cause they won’t but I’m just trying to further my cognitive dissonance lol
Rangers would have no interest in taking Tate back. They already gave up on him and it’s not like he’s show big improvements since leaving.
Why would Texas want Tate back? They traded him for Beltran in 2016 because their system screwed up his development. Why don’t the Yankees throw in Neil Walker and the Rangers throw in Hammel?
I’ve wanted diekman on the angels for so long. Doubt it happens but it’d be nice
Nope. Unless you mean Trout for Diekman?
^^^ lol, this guy.
I’m with you on that. I’m tired of having Jose Alvarez as our only lefty. Plus our bullpen sucks.
Why not make Hamels Choo and Andrus available?
They pretty much already are, based on previous updates.
I think in the next week or so they’ll become available. Read somewhere the rangers are at least willing to pay some of Choo’s contract.
Beltre and Kela seem like a perfect fit for the Indians, as it would allow them to move Ramirez back to second base, move Kipnis into a platoon/bench role in the outfield, and it gives them a more consistent bat in their lineup and a much needed reliever for what’s been an atrocious bullpen.
You took the words right out of my mouth…there’s definitely a match to be made. I also don’t think Tony Barnette could for the Indians too.
They both also seem like perfect fits for Atlanta! I believe there will be somewhat of a market for them to be packaged together.
I don’t disagree, but I think Atlanta needs a power bat in that lineup. Beltre isn’t the power bat he once was. I think Moustakas is a perfect fit for Atlanta, and I think they’ll pluck a low-medium cost reliever and starter from another team. Atlanta has no reason to go all in this year with the bright future they have ahead. They remind me a lot of the 2015 Cubs – they didn’t expect to be this good this soon, and they’ll make some minor moves to try to capitalize on it, but I don’t see them making a move that will cost them much more than a mid-level prospect or two.
I agree they shouldn’t go all in this year! But they are looking for pieces like Kela that can be controlled beyond this season!
As for Moose…I know everyone says he is the perfect fit for Atl, but I don’t see it…He has not been able to get on base the last month plus! Unless Atl can get him for basically nothing.
I don’t think Moose will cost much more than Beltre. There are several third basemen available and not that many teams in need. I think he ends up in Atlanta or St. Louis, and Donaldson goes to the other. I just don’t see the Braves getting the Blue Jays what they’ll want for Donaldson, nor do I think they should. Kela would be a good pickup for the Braves for sure.
Neither Moustakas or Beltre should cost hardly anything because both have huge question marks. I’m not convinced that either is an upgrade over Camargo at all.
Atlanta is going to acquire Mike Moustakos. Moustakos will be better than Camargo and he will cost relatively little.
They are exactly what they need. Unfortunately, Imo it won’t happen unless Texas kicks in money or takes back a contract. The Indians are close to a $150m payroll and the only contract in recent history I can think of them taking on was Andrew Miller’s. His contract had lots of excess value at the time and was a large part of the reason the Yankees received such a haul for him.
You are correct and I guarantee you Cleveland is one of the teams mentioned. The Yankees don’t need any of the players mentioned, they need a starting pitcher and any talks or interest regarding the Rangers relates to Hammels. The Indians have a clear road to the playoffs and it is all about constructing a playoff roster for them. I believe you will see a deal with the Indians soon.
I knew they’d come to their senses. On paper they looked underrated to me, but as the year went on, they were clearly not playoff-caliber. One good thing from this? Hope Beltre finally wins a Ring.
I’d rather have diekman with his 2.96 era than dumpster fire Cecil’s 5.14 era.
Beltre, Diekman and Kela to the Braves for Wentz, Peterson & Sanchez
Wouldn’t happen in a video game. Although I think this was just trolling.
Beltre makes sense for the Red Sox or the Phillies as the teams in contention getting the least out of their third basemen right now.
fangraphs.com/leaders.aspx?pos=3b&stats=bat&#…
how bout we trade john daniels instead how this dude manages to still have a job puzzles me
This might be the most on point comment I’ve seen so far.
I think John Daniels is one of the best GM’s in the game. But everyone has their own opinion.
I think he gets a lot of credit for the work Nolan Ryan did.
I think we’ve found Jon’s ghost account
They can get a huge haul for Kela
I figure rangers could keep kela but he would be the one who could bring in some prospects. I wonder if he would be packaged in a deal with Beltre, hamels or choo. That’s the only way rangers will get more in return for those veterans
What no one realizes is how much power Beltre has over where he goes. If he wants to stay, he stays. If he wants to go to a certain team, the Rangers will try their best to get him on that team while still getting a return that they feel is adequate. Point is, it’s less up to who’s willing to trade for him and more who he wants to be with.
Don’t see why Texas would trade Kela unless he gets a huge return. He’s actually one of the few good, young pieces we have worth building the team around going forward.
Because he is also one of the few pieces that would bring a nice return IN ORDER to rebuild. They do not have a solid young core to build around and keeping a young reliever won’t change that. Get a nice top 100 spec for him plus some other pieces and it could speed up the rebuilding process. Not many other tradeable pieces have much value on the team
Mazara, Lino, Gallo, Calhoun, Guzman and hopefully Odor can start getting on base more. They have a good young core, they just don’t have pitching coming anytime soon which is why they should make Kela available.
That is not a championship caliber core lol…..Mazara could be a future star, but they should be looking for an upgrade over delino, Gallo needs to raise his BA, Calhoun’s defense is a problem and he hasn’t been hitting this year, Guzman I could see being a quality player. Still not a great core and like you said there is no pitching. We have no quality pitching even in the upper minors, need to fill in the gap with trades this summer
Beltre will be in Boston on August 1st. Book it.
Who they gonna trade for him?
I doubt a team would beat a Houck plus Chavis/Groome deal. No offense cereal, but I’m getting kind of sick of people saying that about Boston whenever they’re mentioned trying to get someone. The only guys who are possibly available that they couldn’t acquire is Archer, Fulmer, Hand, Thor, and Degrom. And if they do include Devers, they probably could get teams to think about those players.
One who is suspended and other on the shelf, not exactly worth it for anybody.
But they’re both top 100 guys. I’ll admit I’m not very high on Chavis anymore, but if you’re a team like the A’s, why not take on his potential for 3 months of Lowrie. And Groome still has value. Guys like him, Puk, and Honeywell are still among the best pitching prospects in the minors, despite TJS. It’s not the career killer it once was.
If I’m a team whose out of it, I’d happily take on those two if I were trading a good not great player whose not controlled.
And one good example of a trade like a potential one the Sox might make is the Gray deal from last year. The A’s took on two wild cards in Fowler and Kap (and Mateo) and gave up their best pitcher. I guess you can say it’s a little risky but guys like Groome and Chavis still do have value in trades imo.
Right, Chavis and groome now have zero value. The Yankees 35th best prospect is now way more valuable than groome or Chavis because of an injury or PEDS. Get real. These guys have hurt their stock but they have value. We’re talking about Adrian Beltre for Christ sake. They can get him without thinking about that pair.
Why not just give a list of players that aren’t available? Because looking at this roster I’m not seeing any “untradeables.” Sure you’d have to be blown away to trade Mazara, but I’d sure listen.
But the easiest fix obviously would be to fire Jon Daniels.
Love it! Hey, are you an admin of the Fire Jon Daniels Club on Facebook?
I definitely feel like there is an argument that the braves should go after each of these guys. Especially bullpen