The Rangers traded for Jake Burger from the Marlins, enhancing their lineup and fantasy prospects while sending back three promising players.
Arlington: So, the Rangers just snagged Jake Burger from the Marlins, and it’s a pretty big deal. They traded away some prospects—Maximo Acosta, Echedry Vargas, and Brayan Mendoza—to get him.
This move is a game-changer for Burger’s fantasy value. He’s moving from loanDepot Park, which is tough for homers, to Globe Life Field, where right-handed hitters thrive. That’s a sweet upgrade for his power numbers.
Plus, the Rangers have a much stronger lineup than the Marlins. Last season, Burger was expected to be their best hitter, but he was surrounded by guys who weren’t exactly stars. Now, he’ll be joining heavy hitters like Corey Seager and Marcus Semien.
Last year, the Rangers struggled with their designated hitters, ranking near the bottom in production. So, bringing in Burger means he’ll likely get plenty of at-bats right from the start.
Now, about those prospects the Marlins got back. Acosta is a 22-year-old infielder who had a solid season in AA. He’s got speed, but he’s had some injury issues that might limit him to second base in the big leagues.
Then there’s Vargas, a 19-year-old who swings freely and has some speed, but he’s got to work on his defense. And Mendoza is a lefty pitcher with good command and a solid changeup. He pitched well in low-A last season.
But honestly, it feels like the Marlins didn’t get enough for a guy like Burger, who can hit 30 homers. Maybe they thought they’d rather take a chance on these prospects than keep a player who wasn’t fitting into their plans.
For the Rangers, this trade makes total sense. They needed a power hitter, and Burger fits the bill perfectly. Plus, he’s got four years of team control left, which is a nice bonus.
With injuries hitting the Rangers hard last season, Burger also provides some insurance at third base and first base. And having his former manager on board as a senior advisor can only help him settle in.
In short, this trade looks like a win for the Rangers. They got a solid player without giving up too much, and Burger’s fantasy value just shot up.