On Sunday evening it was reported that the Texas Rangers were close to acquiring a starting pitcher from the Milwaukee Brewers. The deal is getting closer to completion and looks to be under medical review.
Joel Sherman of the New York Post reports the two teams have a deal in principle for starting pitcher Yovani Gallardo, who would join the Rangers once complete. FOX Sports' Ken Rosenthal first reported the details of the trade on Sunday night, but it was said the Rangers weren't planning on announcing a trade yesterday, according to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com.
The details of the deal in principle are unknown, but Rosenthal speculates the Rangers could be sending infielder Luis Sardinas to the Brewers since they've offered him in a number of trades this offseason. The 21-year-old joined the Rangers' roster at the end of the 2014 season after being called up from Triple-A Round Rock. He slashed .281/.302/.364 with 51 runs scored, 37 RBIs and 10 stolen bases in 81 minor league games in 2014.
Texas possesses much infield depth and has been looking to improve their starting rotation, so the deal makes sense for both sides. The departure of Gallardo would save the Brewers $13 million for the 2015 season and help them pursue another starter, who some believe could be James Shields. Sherman speculated yesterday that Milwaukee could pursue Shields or Scherzer once Gallardo was dealt, but now that Scherzer has signed with the Washington Nationals, that leaves Shields, who is expected to be much cheaper.
The 28-year-old Gallardo hasn't been his usual self over the past two seasons, posting a 20-21 record with a 3.85 ERA in 63 starts (373 innings). His strikeout numbers also drastically decreased, as he compiled 290 in 373 innings versus 411 in 411 1/3 innings the prior two seasons (2011 and 2012). Nonetheless, Gallardo would be a solid No. 2 starter behind the Rangers' Yu Darvish.
Let's not forget Texas has been linked to Philadelphia Phillies' ace Cole Hamels, and they're one of nine teams the left-hander can be traded to without him having a say.
We'll update once the deal between the Rangers and Brewers becomes official.
