Rangers Reportedly Grab Last-Minute Bullpen Arm From Cardinals

The Texas Rangers were active on the phones during the trade deadline and made deals to help their late-season surge up the standings, including a last-minute trade. According to Jeff Passan of ESPN, the Rangers made a deal for Phil Maton from the St. Louis Cardinals, addressing their bullpen.

The Cardinals capitalized on an inflated market for relievers at the trade deadline by dealing Ryan Helsley to the New York Mets and Steven Matz to the Boston Red Sox, but they reportedly got one last move in by sending Maton to the Rangers before the deadline closed.

The Cardinals reportedly received a pair of pitching prospects, left-hander Mason Molina and right-hander Skyler Hales, along with $250,000 in international slot money for Maton. This is a solid return for a two-month rental, and the Cardinals took advantage of the trade deadline.

The Rangers addressed their bullpen once more at the trade deadline with Maton, who has proved to be a reliable option in the late innings during his career.

Maton brings a 2.35 ERA to the Rangers, and while he didn’t close out many games with the Cardinals, he can certainly handle that spot if the Rangers give him the opportunities.

The Rangers are giving vibes of their 2023 World Series championship run with how they have gotten hot at the right time and are beginning to climb back into the playoff picture. With two months to go, the American League West has turned into an intense race after the Seattle Mariners, Houston Astros, and the Rangers all loaded up at the trade deadline.

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