UPDATE: Yankees’ Trade History with the Texas Rangers…
Since the Texas Rangers joined the American League as the second version of the Washington Senators in 1962, they have engaged in 27 trades with the New York Yankees. Within this history, there are clear instances of successful and regrettable dealings. One noteworthy trade brought a potential future Monument Park resident to the Bronx, while another triggered some of the most vehement booing ever witnessed at Yankee Stadium.
Several impactful players have changed hands between these two teams over the years. Let’s delve into the best, worst, most peculiar, and often overlooked aspects of these trades.
A significant trade occurred just before the 2004 season when Yankees third baseman Aaron Boone suffered a knee injury in a pickup basketball game. This created a sudden vacancy, prompting the Yankees’ front office to make a bold move by acquiring the reigning AL MVP, Alex Rodriguez. The deal, unprecedented in scale, involved the largest transfer of cash in MLB history. A-Rod, recognizing the team’s needs, agreed to shift to the hot corner, given Derek Jeter’s firm position at shortstop.
Comparing the acquisition to the signing of Reggie Jackson, George Steinbrenner emphasized the magnitude of the trade. However, A-Rod surpassed expectations, accumulating 34.9 fWAR in his first five seasons with the Yankees, securing two MVP awards, and contributing to a World Series title in 2009. The Rangers, who had previously signed A-Rod to a groundbreaking 10-year, $252 million deal, agreed to offset the contract by contributing $67 million. In return, the Rangers received Alfonso Soriano and eventually chose shortstop Joaquin Arias as the player to be named later.
Had the Rangers chosen Robinson Canó instead of Arias, the trade might have sparked intense debate. Soriano, a Top 100 Yankee, maintained his All-Star caliber after the trade, even returning to play with A-Rod in New York in 2013. While A-Rod faced a love-hate relationship with Yankees fans, his dedication to the franchise and subsequent contrition solidified his place in Yankees history.
Amidst the star-studded trades, it’s essential to acknowledge the acquisition of catcher Jose Trevino. Obtained at a minimal cost, Trevino, recognized for his defensive skills, quickly became a crucial asset for the Yankees. His standout performance earned him an All-Star nod in the first half of 2022, and despite facing injuries in 2023, he emerged as the Platinum Glove winner, marking a significant achievement for the Yankees and becoming their first Gold Glove catcher since Thurman Munson. As the unquestioned full-time starting catcher, Trevino’s cerebral approach and support from the pitching staff make him a valuable component of the team moving forward.
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