Rangers Trade Rumors: Rivals Expect Scherzer, David Robertson, More to be Available

The Texas Rangers have struggled so far this season on the heels of winning the 2023 World Series, and that reportedly could lead to a pitching fire sale of sorts as the July 30 MLB trade deadline approaches.

According to Bob Nightengale of USA Today, rival general managers believe the Rangers will make starting pitchers Max Scherzer, Michael Lorenzen and Andrew Heaney, and relievers David Robertson and Kirby Yates available for trade prior to the deadline, barring a "dramatic turnaround."

Texas owns a disappointing 41-48 record thus far, placing it third in the American League West, seven games behind the division-leading Seattle Mariners.

The Rangers are also 7.5 games out of the final wild-card spot in the AL, meaning they have an uphill climb in terms of getting back into playoff contention.

Of the Rangers pitchers rumored to potentially be available for trade, Scherzer, Lorenzen, Heaney and Yates can all become free agents at the end of the season, while there is a mutual option in Robertson's contract for 2025.

Scherzer, who will turn 40 on July 27, is the biggest name who may be on the trading block for Texas.

Over the course of 17 MLB seasons, Scherzer is an eight-time All-Star, three-time Cy Young Award winner and two-time World Series champion. He also owns a career record of 215-110 with a 3.14 ERA, marking him a likely future Hall of Famer.

Scherzer's 2024 season got off to a late start due to back, thumb and nerve issues, but he has looked good in three starts since his return, going 1-2 with a 2.70 ERA and 11 strikeouts over 16.2 innings.

The biggest potential stumbling block standing in the way of a Scherzer trade is the fact that he has a full no-trade clause and can veto any deal if he so chooses.

Aside from Scherzer, contending teams could have interest in Lorenzen and Heaney as mid-to-back-end starters.

Lorenzen, 32, was named an All-Star for the first time last season, and so far this season he is 5-4 with a 3.21 ERA and 62 strikeouts in 87 innings.

The 33-year-old Heaney is only 3-9 this season, but he boasts a solid 3.80 ERA and has struck out 92 batters in 90 innings.

Yates and Robertson have been two of the best and most consistent pieces in the Texas bullpen this season, and both veterans undoubtedly figure to have a robust market for their services.

The 37-year-old Yates has enjoyed a career resurgence this season, going 3-1 with a 0.86 ERA and converting all 13 of his save chances.

Robertson, 39, has a ton of closing experience in his own right, including serving as the New York Mets' primary closer last season, but he has mostly been a setup man in 2024, going 2-3 with a 3.13 ERA.

It can be argued that few teams have as many quality trade chips to offer as the Rangers, but their availability may depend on how the team plays over the next few weeks.