Rangers trade rumors: Texas casting wide net in search for pitching help

The Rangers are poised to be major buyers before the trade deadline, and are casting a wide net in their search for pitching. Here’s a quick rundown of who they’ve been linked to:

• Texas is discussing potential deals with the Rays, and has interest in Matt Moore, Jake Odorizzi and Drew Smyly, according to MLB.com’s Jon Morosi and T.R. Sullivan. The clubs are not discussing Chris Archer, who, according to a major-league source, appears unlikely to be dealt.
  
  The Rangers haven’t expressed any preference in their talks with Tampa Bay, according to a source, meaning that all three pitchers appear to be in play. Odorizzi would likely require the largest haul due to the struggles of Moore and Smyly this season.
  
  
• Texas is in talks with the Padres about a deal for Andrew Cashner, according to Sullivan. San Diego has shown a willingness to sell by already trading Fernando Rodney and Drew Pomeranz, and is likely willing to move Cashner, who is a free agent after the season.
  
  
• The Rangers have inquired on Braves starter Julio Teheran and Athletics starter Sonny Gray, according to a major-league source. The club came away with the impression that neither starter was likely to be dealt, though that could obviously change with the right offer over the next two weeks.
  
  
• Texas is known to be considering Ervin Santana (Twins) and Rich Hill (Athletics), who are both very much available. Hill is a rental option, while Santana is controlled through the 2019 season.
  
  
• Bullpen help is a secondary priority for the Rangers, who are interested in Yankees reliever Andrew Miller, according to Jeff Wilson of the Fort Worth Star-Telegram. Wilson adds that the Yankees want Texas to take on part of Miller’s contract ($18 million through 2018) as part of a deal.
  
  
• The Rangers and Brewers have discussed left-hander Will Smith in trade talks in addition to talking about catcher Jonathan Lucroy, as I reported late last week. Smith appears to be an unlikely fit.
  
  
  By exploring so many options, it appears that the Rangers are willing to make a significant pitching move for a second straight season after acquiring Cole Hamels from the Phillies last July. The team’s willingness to part with its top four young players (Jurickson Profar, Joey Gallo, Lewis Brinson and Dillon Tate) will likely determine the kind of pitcher they get back, though other options (Luis Ortiz, Michael Matuella, and Jairo Beras) will likely be discussed as alternatives.