Are Teams Interested in Rangers Outfielder?

Much of the trade chatter around the Texas Rangers has surrounded what the team needs. It hasn’t addressed what other teams might be interested in acquiring from the Rangers.

The Athletic compiled a big board of the Top 100 trade targets on the market, with the trade deadline coming Aug. 1. These are players that are not being shopped yet but could become targets as the deadline gets closer.

The piece didn’t connect players to particular teams or note the individual needs of each team. However, these 100 players were named as being on the radars of general managers around the league.

One Rangers player made the list, and it’s an interesting one — Ezequiel Duran.

It’s been a breakthrough season for the 24-year-old. Duran received playing time after an injury to shortstop Corey Seager, including everyday at-bats.

He's hitting .310 after going 2-for-4 with a two-run home run in Wednesday's 6-3 win at the Chicago White Sox.

He’s exceeded his career highs in homers and RBI from a year ago and in four fewer games.

He’s an emerging star with several controllable years left on his service time, which makes him attractive to other teams, including the Rangers. The story notes Duran has “raised eyebrows among scouts.”

Duran is a middle infielder, and the long-term deals of Seager and second baseman Marcus Semien are likely to keep him out of that role for years to come. Duran, like Josh Smith, spent the offseason and spring training turning himself into a super-utility player. He's capable of playing every position on the diamond, except pitcher and catcher. He’s played six positions this season.

The Rangers might be more likely to move a player such as Robbie Grossman or Travis Jankowski, who each are on one-year deals. If Duran keeps producing, the Rangers will be left with a tough decision. Should they shop him for potential bullpen help or count on him as a full-time starter in left field?

Either way, Duran has clearly caught everyone’s attention and that could give the Rangers front office options at the deadline. If the goal is to get a quality starting pitcher or reliever at the deadline, and the price to be paid is Duran, the Rangers may have a decision to make.

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