The Texas Rangers’ decision to reclaim first baseman Blaine Crim off waivers from the Colorado Rockies may end up meaning more than simply bringing back a familiar face. While the immediate impact is organizational depth, the move could also hint at possible plans for the upcoming MLB trade deadline.
Crim’s return reunites the Rangers with one of the more persistent success stories in their farm system. Selected in the 19th round of the 2019 MLB Draft out of Division II Mississippi College, Crim steadily worked his way through the minors over several seasons. Though he was never viewed as a top-ranked prospect, his production and power numbers consistently forced the organization to take notice.
After years of development, Crim finally reached the major leagues with Texas in 2025. However, his first opportunity was brief and limited. He appeared in only five games and failed to record a hit before the Rangers designated him for assignment in order to clear space on the 40-man roster. Colorado quickly claimed him, giving him a fresh opportunity at the big league level.
Now, Crim is back in the Rangers organization after losing his spot on the Rockies’ roster. This time, though, he returns with additional major league experience and a stronger résumé than before. More importantly, he gives Texas another potential option at first base, a position that still carries uncertainty despite Jake Burger currently holding the job.
Burger entered the season expected to become a reliable middle-of-the-order bat for the Rangers. Injuries were largely blamed for his struggles last season, and with a healthy campaign ahead of him, the organization hoped for a major bounce-back year. While he has shown flashes of power, his overall production has remained inconsistent. Through 48 games, Burger was batting .245 with nine home runs and 33 RBI while carrying a .293 on-base percentage.
The biggest concern for Texas has been Burger’s strikeout rate. He already has 51 strikeouts and is once again trending toward high totals similar to last season. If his ability to reach base does not improve and the Rangers slide out of postseason contention before the trade deadline, the club could consider moving certain players, including Burger.
Such a move would not necessarily be driven by finances. Burger remains under team control for two additional seasons and is earning a manageable salary. Instead, a potential trade would likely reflect the Rangers deciding that he may not be the ideal long-term fit at first base.
That possibility makes Crim’s return more intriguing. Although there are still questions about whether he can become an everyday major league player, he has continued to prove himself offensively throughout his professional career. In the minors, he developed into a consistent power hitter, blasting 131 home runs before reaching the majors.
Crim finally received a longer opportunity after joining Colorado. The Rockies, searching for answers at first base, inserted him into the lineup regularly late in the season. He responded immediately, hitting his first MLB home run in his Rockies debut and recording hits in 12 of his 15 appearances. During that stretch, he posted a .241 batting average with a .556 slugging percentage, along with five home runs and 12 RBI.
Unfortunately for Crim, his role in Colorado disappeared after a spring training injury and the emergence of T.J. Rumfield. Once again squeezed out of a roster spot, he was designated for assignment earlier this week.
Now back with Texas, the 28-year-old could soon receive another opportunity in the majors. If the Rangers eventually decide to move on from Burger or shift direction at the trade deadline, Crim may find himself right back in the middle of the team’s plans.
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