As the MLB trade deadline on July 31 approaches, the Texas Rangers are set to face a strengthened Seattle Mariners team, who just acquired first baseman Josh Naylor from the Arizona Diamondbacks in exchange for pitching prospects Ashton Izzi and Brandyn Garcia — both ranked among Seattle’s Top 30 prospects, per Keith Law of The Athletic.
While the Rangers are dealing with their own first base concerns due to Jake Burger’s injury, the Mariners have addressed a long-standing issue at the position, which previously saw former Ranger Rowdy Tellez designated for assignment and later released earlier this season.
Naylor, a 28-year-old lefty and former first-round pick by the Marlins, is having a strong season, slashing .292/.360/.447 with 11 home runs, 59 RBI, and 19 doubles. He’s also coming off a 31-homer season with Cleveland last year.
Rowdy Tellez
The Diamondbacks, who traded for him in the offseason, could be unloading more players by the deadline — potentially benefitting the Rangers, who still have six games against Arizona this season.
Despite rumors of Texas leaning toward seller mode, they’ve picked up momentum with five wins in their last six games since the All-Star break.
While a revamped Mariners lineup could challenge the Rangers next week, it’ll also mark the final meeting between the AL West rivals this season.
