Texas Rangers GM Jon Daniels defends staff, but open to roster moves as deadline looms
Texas Rangers general manager Jon Daniels thinks the team is better than it’s currently showing but that’s not saying a whole lot.
The Rangers entered Monday’s series opener against the Oakland Athletics at Globe Life Field on an eight-game losing streak. Texas snapped the skid with a 3-2 win. Lance Lynn improved to 4-0 with the win and Rafael Montero escaped a bases-loaded jam for the save.
With the trade deadline looming Aug. 31, Daniels is mulling where the organization stands in its rebuilding process. Until this pandemic-abridged season, the Rangers were still likely a season or two from really being contenders in the American League. An eight-game losing streak makes it feel more like five seasons.
“We haven’t played well, period,” Daniels said before Monday’s game. “Our pitching up until the last week or so had been pretty good, especially our starting pitching. But we haven’t put together a stretch of clean, quality baseball beyond a few games.”
Daniels said the club has open ears on trade possibilities. Basically, he said, if it’s good for the future of organization, any deal is on the table. He also defended his front office staff and coaches.
“I don’t think we are locked into any one thing. We are having a variety of internal conversations and we’ll see where that leads,” he said. “I don’t think finances will dictate the moves made. It will be baseball driven and what makes sense for the franchise.”
Changes in the market in recent years could also play a role, he said.
“There are not franchise-altering returns usually. It would have to make sense for us,” he said. “We wouldn’t look to move guys for inventory but if there are other reasons to do so, we would have to look at it.”
A good deal, of course, requires another team with coveted prospects. The insecurity and unknown aspects surrounding the 2020 season could alter any massive moves by other teams, even ones chasing one of 16 playoff spots.
“There is value in making the playoffs, yes. That’s where you have to make that decision,” Daniels said. “It’s largely based on what clubs are willing to part with. Some clubs we have talked to are more motivated than others. We’ll see where we go.”
Daniels said evaluations are an ongoing process but added that he’s not looking at any staff changes.
“I can tell you there will not be any changes in that area,” he said. “I feel really good about this group.”
