Thursday newsletter time: Martin Perez’s stock continues to rise. Will Rangers try to buy now?

Jeff Wilson August 4, 2022

(AP photo/Tony Gutierrez)

ARLINGTON — The final score Wednesday at Globe Life Field was an eyesore yet again for the home team, as Baltimore beat the Rangers 6-3 for a three-game sweep and a six-game sweep of the season series.

The bulk of the damage came against the Rangers’ bullpen over the final three innings. The first six belonged to Martin Perez, and once again he did his job.

The All-Star allowed one run and struck out a season-high nine. He received a no-decision, and in the process tied the club record for most consecutive starts without a loss (19, Cole Hamels in 2015-16). In a season geared for learning how to win, Perez has been the professor for the pitching staff.

As everyone knows by now, the left-hander can be a free agent after the season. The Rangers did not trade him, general manager Chris Young said, because they want to retain an exclusive window to work out a contract extension.

Jon Daniels, the president of baseball operations, said that starting pitching will be the club’s No. 1 offseason priority.

Perez doesn’t want to go anywhere.

The Rangers don’t want him to leave.

So, what’s the holdup?

The deadline to sign draftees and the trade deadline contributed to talks getting off the ground any sooner. But the sides have talked, and there should be ample time to sort this out now that the deadlines are done.

The Rangers don’t want to let Perez get to free agency with the class of starters not nearly as good as in past years. If Carlos Rodon doesn’t opt out of his contract, Perez would be the most attractive left-hander on the market.

Perez, though, is likely willing to give the Rangers a hometown discount. Would $12 million-$14 million a year break the bank? The Rangers are paying Rougned Odor and Elvis Andrus nearly $20 million this season to not play for them.

There’s the money right there, with change left over. Add in Kohei Arihara, Kole Calhoun, Garrett Richards and Willie Calhoun, there’s another $13.6 million.

Ta-da.

With each quality start and non-loss, the cost to keep Perez will keep rising.

It’s better to get it done now than for other bidders to become involved.

About that bullpen …

The Rangers were in a 1-1 tie when Perez exited, and out of the bullpen game lefty Matt Moore. He also wasn’t traded at the deadline because the Rangers wouldn’t have received anything of value for him and because they would like to keep him around beyond this season.

Moore gave up a run in the seventh, as old friend Robinson Chirinos took him deep, but the Rangers countered with a Jonah Heim homer in the bottom half to forge a 2-2 tie.

Manager Chris Woodward went to his best available arm in that situation, Jose Leclerc. Baltimore got him for two runs and then scored two more in the ninth against Jonathan Hernandez, who likely had been kept out of the eighth for a potential save opportunity.

Even when the bullpen’s best are available, things aren’t always going to work out.

The best has been Brock Burke, who hasn’t had back-to-back outings all season. Moore has, and so did Matt Bush before he was traded Tuesday. The Rangers need more capable pitchers who can work in consecutive games.

That’s why it’s important for Brett Martin and Dennis Santana to pitch through their current woes. The best available option in the minors is Yerry Rodriguez, who has no big-league experience but is on the 40-man roster and has touched 100 mph this season.

A.J. Alexy, Nick Snyder, Kolby Allard and John King are also on the 40-man roster.

Let’s get a look at Rodriguez.

ICYMI …

Thursday already, huh? It’s a big one, too, with recording the next episode of the Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast and then dashing to Globe Life Field for the Kumar Rocker introductory news conference. Cole Ragans makes his MLB debut a few hours later. The Rangers haven’t had a day off since the All-Star break, and it’s showing on the field. They’ve been busy off the field, too, though without much to show for it. If you’ve been busy as well, here’s the latest from Rangers Today in case you missed it.

Organization thrilled for Ragans

A key injury and surprising trade

Texas Rangers Baseball Podcast, with Nate Lowe

Friday on the Farm: Raising Arizona

Rangers farm report

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