Texas Rangers Shock Fans by Trading Dane Dunning to Braves: Who Will Fill His Spot in the Bullpen and What’s Next for José Ruiz?

The Texas Rangers have shocked their fanbase by trading veteran pitcher Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves in exchange for reliever José Ruiz and cash considerations. Dunning, a key piece of the Rangers’ 2023 World Series run, leaves a significant void in the bullpen.

This move marks a major shift for Texas as they part ways with a pitcher who served as both a starter and reliable reliever during his tenure. The Rangers now face immediate questions about who will step up to fill Dunning’s versatile role.

Meanwhile, Ruiz brings a new dynamic to Texas’ pitching staff, leaving fans wondering if he can make an impact similar to Dunning’s prior contributions.

Why Did the Rangers Trade Dane Dunning After He Helped Win the 2023 World Series?

The Texas Rangers’ decision to trade Dane Dunning to the Atlanta Braves has left many fans questioning the front office’s strategy. Dunning was a pivotal piece of the 2023 World Series-winning team, transitioning between starter and reliever roles seamlessly. His 2023 campaign included a 3.72 ERA over 32 appearances (17 starts), proving his versatility. However, his 2025 struggles (5.40 ERA in Triple-A) may have accelerated this move.

Dunning himself acknowledged needing adjustments after his demotion earlier this year: “It was a good eye-opener… I was breaking down everything I’m doing wrong,” he admitted in May after returning from Triple-A. The Rangers likely saw more value in acquiring José Ruiz’s bullpen arm than waiting for Dunning’s resurgence.

Trading a homegrown pitcher who contributed to a championship run always stings, but baseball is a ‘what have you done lately’ business. His 2024 regression made him expendable.

But Mr. Lettuce, shouldn’t they have given him more time? He won Pitcher of the Year just two seasons ago!

José Ruiz vs. Dunning: A Bullpen Upgrade?

Texas received 29-year-old reliever José Ruiz, who posted a 4.15 ERA in 43 games for Atlanta this season with a 95 mph fastball. While Dunning had higher upside as a former starter, Ruiz provides immediate bullpen stability with controllable years remaining. The cash considerations (reportedly $1.2M) further offset salary.

Who Will Replace Dunning’s Innings? 3 Internal Candidates

With Dunning gone, Texas must fill his 100+ inning hybrid role. Top options:

• Owen White: The 25-year-old prospect has a 3.89 ERA in Round Rock with swing-and-miss stuff.
• Cole Winn: Former first-rounder remade his delivery and boasts a 2.98 Triple-A ERA.
• Yerry Rodríguez: Venezuelan fireballer allowed just 1 ER in his last 10 MLB innings.

Watch Rodríguez closely—his 98 mph cutter could play up in multi-inning stints. Remember how Dunning emerged in 2021? History often repeats.

Braves Get a Project: Can Atlanta Fix Dunning?

Atlanta’s pitching lab excels at revamping arms (see Charlie Morton’s renaissance). Dunning’s issues stem from:

• Declining sinker velocity (91.3 mph in 2025 vs. 92.6 mph in 2023)
• Slider losing 3 inches of horizontal break

The Braves may restore his two-seamer’s arm-side run—their specialty with groundball pitchers. If successful, this could haunt Texas given Dunning’s remaining arbitration years.

José Ruiz’s Last Chance? Rangers Are His 4th Team Since 2022

Ruiz has elite spin rates (94th percentile curveball) but struggled with command (4.8 BB/9 career). Texas believes pitching coach Mike Maddux can unlock consistency. Ruiz must prove he’s more than another DFAd reliever.

Rangers Selling Low? Comparing Recent Trade Returns

While not a franchise-altering deal, the Rangers turned a struggling arm into bullpen depth while shedding salary—a pragmatic move for a fringe contender.

Mr. Lettuce, does this mean the Rangers are giving up on 2025?

Not necessarily, Tomato. This feels like a ‘change of scenery’ trade for both players. Texas bets on Ruiz’s arm, while Atlanta gambles on Dunning’s pedigree—the classic baseball swap.

What Rangers Fans Are Searching Next About This Trade