May 24, 2021; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver (8) hits a two run double in the eighth inning against the Baltimore Orioles at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Jesse Johnson-USA TODAY Sports
Shockwaves were sent throughout the Texas Rangers fanbase on Saturday as the team orchestrated a trade to acquire former Minnesota Twins catcher Mitch Garver in exchange for Isiah Kiner-Falefa and pitching prospect Ronny Henriquez.
On the surface, it’s a great move for the Rangers, who get a power-hitting catcher to slot in the middle of an already improved lineup. Garver immediately becomes the everyday starter behind the plate.
Trading Kiner-Falefa, a fan favorite, was undoubtedly a tough pill to swallow. The versatile defender has been an integral part of the Rangers for the last few seasons. Texas will miss his Gold Glove ranging around in the infield, but it was a sound baseball decision to move off him in favor of someone who improves both the team’s defense and offense in Mitch Garver. These are the kinds of moves winning organizations make, as the Rangers attempt to become one again soon.
For now, though, here are three ripple effects from the Mitch Garver trade.
3 ripple effects of the Texas Rangers’ acquisition of Mitch Garver
1. The Rangers need a third baseman
This is probably the most glaring effect of the Garver pick up. Prior to the trade with Minnesota, Isiah Kiner-Falefa was penciled in as the starting third baseman for the Texas Rangers in 2022. This was further cemented by the shoulder injury to top prospect Josh Jung, who is expected to miss most of, if not all of, the upcoming season.
With Kiner-Falefa playing for the Twins now, though, the Rangers need a third baseman. And they have options both internally and externally.
Texas could seek a Kris Bryant-type on the free agent market, where they’ve already hashed out $565 million in total value this off-season. They could pursue Matt Chapman of the Oakland A’s, who is expected to be available as that team begins their fire sale. But they could also look within, to prospects like Davis Wendzel or Sherten Apostel, and big leaguers like Andy Ibanez and Yonny Hernandez to help fill the void at third base for now.
The Rangers have options. But they now need to figure out their third base situation this spring.