Rangers beat Padres 7-4 on July 5, 2025, behind a strong Patrick Corbin start. Does this crucial win complicate the looming trade talks for star Adolis García?
StatPro MLB Beat Reporter
What a difference a day makes. Fresh off a gritty 7-4 victory over the Padres, there's a glimmer of hope, a feeling that this team might just be figuring things out. But as the Rangers claw their way back toward .500, a much bigger, more complicated question looms over Arlington: What is the future of Adolis García? The win in San Diego was sweet, but the swirling trade rumors are impossible to ignore.
MLB insider Ken Rosenthal suggests right fielder Adolis García could be a significant trade candidate due to the scarcity of quality right-handed hitters on the market.
Saturday night at Petco Park was a perfect example of what this team can be when things click. Patrick Corbin, a potential trade chip himself, turned in a fantastic performance to earn his fifth win (5-7). The offense, which has been frustratingly inconsistent, came alive by scoring in five separate innings. It was a true team effort, with Josh Smith staying hot (2-for-5) and young guns Wyatt Langford and Evan Carter both crossing the plate. Shawn Armstrong shut the door for his third save, and just like that, the Rangers are 44-45, staring .500 right in the face.
Every win from here on out makes the front office's job more difficult. With playoff odds sitting at a tenuous 34.6%, the central debate is whether to sell off assets or push for a wildcard spot. The biggest name in that debate is 'El Bombi.' According to MLB insider Ken Rosenthal, Adolis García is a prime trade candidate. His right-handed power is a rare commodity, and with his contract status, he could bring back a significant haul for the future. He's not alone; veterans on expiring deals like Patrick Corbin, Tyler Mahle, and several relievers could also be on the move if the team decides to pivot towards 2026.
This team's identity crisis is written in the box scores. The pitching has been nothing short of elite, boasting an AL-best 3.10 team ERA thanks to stellar work from Jacob deGrom, Nathan Eovaldi, and Tyler Mahle. This is a championship-caliber staff. The offense, however, tells a different story. Despite recent improvements, they still rank 25th in MLB with just 265 runs scored and a team batting average of .229. This stark contrast is why the Rangers are stuck in neutral, unable to pull away despite having one of the best rotations in baseball.
All of this drama sets the stage for today's rubber match against the Padres. The ball is in Jack Leiter's hands (4-5, 4.29 ERA) as he looks to secure a massive series win on the road. A victory would not only get the team back to the .500 mark but would also send a message that this group isn't ready to pack it in. Another strong offensive showing would go a long way in calming nerves and building momentum heading into a critical stretch before the trade deadline.
So, as Jack Leiter takes the hill today, it's more than just a series finale. Every pitch, every at-bat feels magnified. The next few weeks will define the rest of 2025 for the Texas Rangers. Are they buyers, sellers, or something in between? The answer lies on the field, and it starts today in San Diego. Let's see if they can get back to .500 and make the front office's decision even harder.
