The Texas Rangers are currently hanging out on the periphery of the American League Wild Card and West races, but it appears the organization's long-term focus is what could be at play in a potential pursuit of Philadelphia Phillies ace Cole Hamels before the July 31st MLB Trade Deadline.
"They're positioning themselves to win next year," ESPN's Jayson Stark said of the Rangers in a recent column. "So they're looking for long-term buying opportunities. And Hamels might be the best fit out there. They've had longstanding interest. They appear to like Hamels more than most of those free agents. And they would clearly prefer the length and dollars in his contract to the haul someone like David Price is about to rake in."
Stark adds that you should "never take your eye off a club as aggressive and creative as the Rangers." That being said, would the financial and trade risks be worth it.
The Rangers would likely have to put together a massive trade package headlined by uber-prospect Joey Gallo, while also eating the majority of Hamels' $67.5 million in salary over the next three years, along with a $20 million option for 2019 with a hefty $6 million buyout.
It'd be a major commitment before the trade deadline, but not out of the realm of possibility with where the organization sits right now.
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