Some Friday rumors about a potential deal between the Pittsburgh Pirates and Texas Rangers. We have heard twice now that the Pirates have interest in Texas closer Keone Kela, first from Evan Grant on Tuesday, then yesterday we heard that the Rangers were scouting some players. Now there is more to add to those rumors, including a different (or added?) name from the Rangers.
TR Sullivan, who covers the Rangers for MLB.com, said that the Pirates have interest in young controllable relievers, mentioning Kela and Jose Leclerc. He notes that the Rangers would like a starting pitcher in return and throws out the names Clay Holmes and Taylor Hearn, though it’s unclear if there is interest in those two or he’s just giving suggested return pieces that fit their criteria. Leclerc has a 2.45 ERA in 36.2 innings over 38 appearances, with 53 strikeouts and a 1.04 WHIP. He’s a 24-year-old, right-handed pitcher, who has four full seasons of control after 2018.
Jeff Passan also added a note late last night that he believes a deal is close with the Rangers and Kela, though he didn’t mention a specific team in the deal.
Sources: Next to go for the Rangers could be reliever Keone Kela. Teams in touch with Rangers say they get a sense they’re getting close to something. Could be a bigger return than we’ve seen for other relievers because Kela doesn’t hit free agency until after the 2020 season.
— Jeff Passan (@JeffPassan) July 27, 2018
