It looks like the Texas Rangers will add some more flare to open their new stadium with. The Rangers have acquired right-handed pitcher Corey Kluber from the Cleveland Indians in exchange for outfielder Delino DeShields Jr. and RHP Emmanuel Clase, Ken Rosenthal first reported on Sunday.
OF Delino DeShields Jr. and RHP Emmanuel Clase heading to #Indians for Kluber, source tells The Athletic.
— Ken Rosenthal (@Ken_Rosenthal) December 15, 2019
According to Rosenthal, Cleveland is likely getting even more back for their ace as he tweeted he is “waiting to hear the complete deal.”
The trade market for Kluber had heated up in the past few weeks, even more so after the top free agent pitchers, Gerrit Cole and Stephen Strasburg, went off the market.
Kluber, a two-time Cy Young winner and three-time All-Star, had his 2019 campaign shortened due to injuries, resulting in him only starting seven games.
The Rangers went 78-84 last season, finishing third in the AL West 29 games behind the in-state rival Houston Astros. They add a veteran presence in the clubhouse and an anchor in the rotation with Kluber.
The Indians land a young arm in Clase as he comes off a rookie campaign in which he had a 2.31 ERA through 21 appearances and one start. DeShields should add depth in the outfield as well.
If Kluber can put his injury-riddled 2019 behind him and prove that year was a fluke, then the rest of the AL West just got put on notice.
