ARLINGTON, TX — Just when Rangers fans thought the trade deadline might pass without much drama, heartbreak struck. In a stunning twist that caught even insiders off guard, two familiar arms — once crucial to Texas’ bullpen identity — are heading west. The Los Angeles Angels have pulled off a bold move, acquiring Andrew Chafin, nicknamed the Bullpen Enforcer, and Luis Garcia, the Texas Firestarter, from the Washington Nationals.
Yes, you read that right. The same two relievers who brought heat, swagger, and veteran grit to the Rangers in past campaigns are now set to anchor the bullpen of a division rival — and they didn’t even have to trade with Texas to do it.
The Angels sent pitching prospect Jake Eder and first baseman Sam Brown to Washington in the deal. In return, they landed two bullpen veterans who, although not currently wearing Rangers blue, still hold deep connections to Texas — especially in the hearts of fans.
Luis Garcia, 38, pitched for the Rangers during the chaotic 2020 season. Though that year is best forgotten by many, Garcia’s fierce energy on the mound was one of the few bright sparks in a rough campaign. Since then, he’s bounced around — most recently cut by the Dodgers after a rough start to 2025. But the Nationals took a chance, and Garcia rewarded them with a dominant rebound: 0.90 ERA across 10 innings in 10 appearances, even if advanced metrics suggest a little luck behind the numbers. Still, Angels brass clearly believe he has gas left in the tank — and maybe even a postseason push left in his arm.
Then there’s Andrew Chafin, 35 — the ultimate trade deadline mercenary. This marks his fifth deadline deal in six seasons, and Rangers fans will remember him best for last year’s stint after being acquired from the Tigers. With his signature mustache and no-nonsense mound presence, Chafin quickly earned the nickname Bullpen Enforcer. This season with the Nationals, he’s put together a solid 2.70 ERA across 26 appearances, proving he can still command the zone and calm the chaos when the pressure rises.
While neither was currently part of the Rangers’ roster, their departure to a division rival stings. Not because Texas gave them up — but because they were snatched away, symbols of what the bullpen once was: gritty, fearless, and Texas-tough.
Meanwhile, the Angels are desperately trying to fix a bullpen disaster of their own. With a 4.96 ERA (27th in MLB) and 24 different arms used already this season, Los Angeles is hoping that Chafin and Garcia will bring leadership and late-inning reliability. Ironically, the Nationals — the team giving them up — have an even worse bullpen ERA of 5.63, making this a rare win-win trade for both sides. Except, of course, for Rangers fans watching their old weapons reinforce a rival’s army.
The Nationals receive Jake Eder, a 26-year-old lefty who has bounced from the Marlins to the White Sox and now the Angels in the past two years. He’s struggled in Triple-A Salt Lake with a 6.11 ERA over 13 starts, and his MLB appearances have been limited. Sam Brown, 23, was a 12th-round pick by the Angels in 2023, currently repeating Double-A with improved numbers — .244/.350/.358, a notable step up from last season.
For Texas fans, this trade won’t show up on the local ticker as a Rangers move — but make no mistake, it feels like a loss. The Bullpen Enforcer and Texas Firestarter are gone — and they’re wearing the red of a division foe. If October baseball comes down to bullpen grit in the West, don’t be surprised if Rangers fans are left wondering… what if?
