Rangers have 'intriguing' trade chip in .675 OPS utilityman

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While the Texas Rangers are in lockstep with the Seattle Mariners for the AL West title, there's reason to believe this team won't be splurging at the deadline as a major buyer.

They could add some talent, but it's also not out of the realm of possibility that this team will sell. Corey Seager's name has even come up in trade rumors recently. It's too soon to tell what the Rangers will do this summer.

However, MLB insider Robert Murray of Fansided.com pointed to a .675 OPS utilityman for the Rangers, in 28-year-old Josh Smith, as an "intriguing" trade chip this summer who could be dealt by the August 3 trade deadline this year.

Rangers could move Josh Smith as an 'intriguing' trade chip

"Texas has an intriguing trade piece to offer," Murray writes. "One possibility that the Texas Rangers could consider is moving infielder Josh Smith to address a different part of the roster."

Smith, the 28-year-old veteran and former Silver Slugger, is one of the more versatile players who could be on the move this season.

During the 2026 season, he's played the majority of the time at second base, while also logging time in the outfield, at third base, and even first base. In his career, he's also played plenty of shortstop, so he's a very versatile option for clubs to consider.

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This season, Smith is hitting .230 with a .607 OPS, well below his .675 OPS mark for his career. An 80 OPS+ this season is also well below his 96 OPS+ career average, and is a far cry from his 114 OPS+ in 2024 during his Silver Slugger year.

Smith is an intriguing trade chip for teams this summer as a versatile infielder/outfielder who also has some potential as a left-handed hitter.

The Rangers have club control over Smith through the 2028 season, so there's no rush to trade him. But if they want to move on and a team shows interest, Smith could be a very intriguing trade chip this summer by the August 3 trade deadline.