The Texas Rangers’ offense has struggled early this season, managing just 3.2 runs per game over their first 35 matchups. While Leody Taveras has been serviceable in center field, his production—marked by a .241 batting average, one homer, and eight RBIs—has been underwhelming. As a result, the Rangers placed him on waivers this past Sunday.
Former MLB general manager Jim Bowden has confirmed Texas trade for Luis Robert Jr. of the Chicago White Sox. Writing for The Athletic, Bowden argued, “The Rangers are built to contend now, and acquiring Robert, who’s 27 and under team control through 2027, could be a strong move.” Despite a sluggish start to the season with a .195 average, Robert has hit five home runs and leads the league with 15 stolen bases. Bowden noted that Robert’s performance may be hindered by a lack of lineup protection in Chicago, implying that a change of scenery could spark improvement.
Bowden even laid out a potential trade scenario between the teams:
Texas Rangers receive: OF Luis Robert Jr.
Chicago White Sox receive: CF Dylan Dreiling (Rangers’ No. 9 prospect) and LHP Kohl Drake (Rangers’ No. 12 prospect)
He described Dreiling as the centerpiece of the trade—a 22-year-old left-handed power bat slashing .250/.350/.364 at High-A with two home runs, four doubles, and six stolen bases. Dreiling profiles as a 25-homer outfielder capable of playing all three outfield spots. Drake, 24, has impressed in Double-A with a 3.31 ERA and 28 strikeouts over 16 1/3 innings, posting 12.3 strikeouts per nine innings since his pro debut in 2023.
At 17-18, the Rangers currently sit in fourth place in the AL West, trailing the division-leading Mariners by four games. Acquiring Robert Jr. could be the spark they need to gain momentum and make a push toward the top of the standings.