Yankees trade proposal lands hitter-pitcher combo from scuffling Rangers

Could the New York Yankees call upon a disappointing foe as a potential trade partner?

Before the season, many thought the Texas Rangers would be the Yankees' top competition for an American League pennant. But two years after their World Series run, Texas' offense has gone shockingly stone-cold.

At 44-46, the Rangers are four games out of a playoff spot in the wide-open AL. One hitter playing a key role in their slump was third baseman Josh Jung, who was just optioned to Triple-A.

Jung, a 2023 All-Star, could have been off-limits in trades if his career had broken differently. But there's no reason to think he wouldn't be attainable now if the Yankees--or any team--thought they could resuscitate his bat.

On Monday, Yankees on SI's Jack Markowski suggested exactly that. The writer proposed a trade in which the Yankees could land not only Josh Jung, but lefty relief pitcher Hoby Milner as well, a one-stop shopping trip to round out the roster.

"Jung has hit .237/.283/.366 over 297 trips to the plate in 2025, leading Texas to option him to Triple-A Round Rock on July 2. The organization likely still views him as a vital piece of its future since he's under control through 2028, but he shouldn't be untouchable," Markowski wrote.

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"New York would also benefit from adding another left-handed reliever alongside Tim Hill, which is where Milner comes into play. He is a pure rental after signing a one-year deal worth $2.5 million with the Rangers this past offseason, and he's excelled to the tune of a 2.42 ERA with a 2.10 FIP in 44 2/3 innings thus far."

Jung, 27, still owns a 102 career OPS+ despite his struggles in 2025. He'd be under team control through 2028. Milner, meanwhile, is a classic trade deadline candidate, but only if the Rangers decide to sell.

A trade like this only comes together if the two sides can agree on a prospect package, but in theory, a selling Rangers team could be interested in a two-for-one deal like this with a Yankees team hoping for playoff redemption.

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