With the MLB trade deadline set for 5 p.m. Central Time on Thursday, the Texas Rangers are still exploring their remaining options to reinforce their roster — specifically focusing on bullpen support and a reliable right-handed bat.
Some of the top relievers once on their radar are already off the board — including Jhoan Duran (traded from Minnesota to Philadelphia) and Ryan Helsley (dealt from St. Louis to the Mets). But as the clock ticks down, there’s still a narrow window for president of baseball operations Chris Young to make a final push from Seattle, where the Rangers are opening a four-game series against the Mariners.
Despite a strong 8–1 homestand, the team stumbled against the Angels before arriving in the Pacific Northwest. With postseason ambitions intact, these are three names to keep an eye on as the deadline nears:
P David Bednar — Pittsburgh Pirates
The Rangers have been linked to Pittsburgh’s hard-throwing closer, David Bednar. With 17 saves this season and a resume that includes a league-leading 39 saves in 2023, Bednar brings All-Star pedigree and postseason-caliber experience. The Pirates are open to dealing him as they continue to rebuild, but the price is steep — especially now that other top arms are off the board.
Texas is reportedly one of multiple teams in the mix. Bednar’s contract control through next season only adds to his value, but that also means the Pirates are in no rush to let him go cheaply.
P Pete Fairbanks — Tampa Bay Rays
A familiar name in Arlington, Fairbanks was originally drafted by the Rangers and debuted with them in 2019 before being dealt to Tampa Bay. According to The Dallas Morning News, the Rangers and Rays have had early conversations about a reunion.
Fairbanks is 4–3 with a 2.75 ERA and 18 saves in 21 opportunities this season. His reliability over the past three seasons (66 total saves) and contract flexibility — including a team option in 2026 — make him a high-upside late-inning target. With the Rays hovering around .500, they may wait until the final moments to pull the trigger on any deals.
UTL Ryan O’Hearn — Baltimore Orioles
While Texas has been seeking a right-handed bat, Ryan O’Hearn’s name has surfaced as a surprising but sensible fit despite batting from the left side. ESPN recently linked him to the Rangers due to underwhelming production at first base and designated hitter.
O’Hearn offers positional flexibility — capable of playing first base, corner outfield, or filling in as DH. He’s also producing at the plate: over his last 15 games, he’s slashing .277/.327/.489 with two homers and 11 RBI. For the season, he’s batting .283 with 13 home runs and 43 RBI — numbers that could provide an immediate lift to the Rangers’ lineup.
What’s Next?
With the final hours ticking away, the Rangers still have opportunities to upgrade key areas. Whether it’s locking in bullpen help like Bednar or Fairbanks, or boosting the offense with someone like O’Hearn, Texas appears poised to stay active until the buzzer.
And if Chris Young has shown anything in recent years, it’s that the Rangers aren’t afraid to make a bold move when it matters most.
