The Milwaukee Brewers and Texas Rangers finalized a trade on Thursday, with the Brewers sending minor league left-handed pitcher Mason Molina to Texas in exchange for right-handed pitcher Grant Anderson. The move comes shortly after the Rangers designated Anderson for assignment earlier in the week.
Anderson, 27, made 23 relief appearances for the Rangers during the 2024 season, recording an 0-1 record with an 8.10 ERA and one save. Over 26 2/3 innings pitched, he struck out 29 batters, walked 10, and surrendered 11 home runs. While his major league performance struggled, Anderson demonstrated more consistency at the Triple-A level. Playing for the Round Rock Express last season, he posted a 3-0 record with a 2.93 ERA and one save across 26 outings. Anderson’s potential as a bullpen option makes him an intriguing pickup for Milwaukee, despite his uneven performances at the major league level.
Molina, a 21-year-old pitching prospect, was drafted in the seventh round of the 2024 MLB Amateur Draft out of Arkansas. He made an immediate impact in the Brewers’ farm system, showcasing promise in limited appearances. Last season, Molina started two games for Class A Carolina, delivering five shutout innings while striking out six batters. He also appeared in two postseason games, one for Class A Carolina and another for Class A Wisconsin, further demonstrating his potential as a rising talent.
To accommodate Anderson on their 40-man roster, the Brewers designated left-handed pitcher Tyler Jay for assignment. Jay, 30, split time between the Brewers and New York Mets last season, compiling a 0-0 record with a 4.70 ERA across five combined appearances. Jay’s inconsistent results and the Brewers’ need to clear roster space ultimately led to this decision.
This trade highlights Milwaukee’s effort to strengthen their bullpen with Anderson, who, despite struggles in the majors, has shown flashes of reliability at the Triple-A level. For the Rangers, acquiring a promising young pitcher like Molina aligns with their strategy of bolstering their minor league system. Both teams are making calculated moves to address their immediate and long-term needs, with Milwaukee betting on Anderson’s upside and Texas banking on Molina’s development.
As the offseason progresses, the Brewers’ acquisition of Anderson will be closely watched to see if he can contribute effectively at the major league level, while Molina’s growth with the Rangers will also be a storyline worth monitoring.
