The Texas Rangers made significant moves as the trade deadline approached, securing three pitchers to bolster their roster. The most notable acquisition was veteran right-hander Merrill Kelly from the Arizona Diamondbacks. Known for his consistency, Kelly has maintained a solid 3.74 ERA over seven seasons, and in 2025, he boasts an impressive 3.22 ERA in 128.2 innings pitched. While he might not have overwhelming velocity, averaging 92.1 MPH on his fastball, his exceptional control and ability to induce swings out of the strike zone make him a valuable addition. Given his performance in the past postseason against the Rangers, where he delivered seven innings of one-run baseball, his experience could prove crucial in the coming games.
The other two pitchers acquired were Danny Coulombe, a crafty left-handed relief pitcher, and Phil Maton, a right-handed relief pitcher. Coulombe, who has seen a career resurgence this season with a remarkable 1.16 ERA in 31 innings for the Minnesota Twins, adds depth to a bullpen that has needed reinforcements. His low-90s fastball, combined with his cutter and sweeper, offers a different dynamic that can be beneficial in high-pressure situations.
Maton, another strategic addition, comes from the St. Louis Cardinals and has been impressive this season with a 2.35 ERA over 38.1 innings. His ability to generate strikeouts, coupled with advanced analytics suggesting his strong performance is sustainable, makes him another significant asset to Texas.
Interestingly, while the Rangers focused on strengthening their pitching staff, discussions around acquiring a hitter to enhance their offense did not materialize. General Manager Chris Young’s strategy appears to be centered on reinforcing the pitching rotation and bullpen in anticipation of a playoff push, which could also allow other pitchers like Kumar Rocker and Jack Leiter to take on different roles during critical games.
This proactive approach to the trade deadline highlights the Rangers’ commitment to building a competitive team. With these acquisitions, they aim to transform their bullpen and strengthen their chances for a playoff run. The hope is that these changes will invigorate the team’s performance and lead to success in the postseason.