The K is capitalized (on).

The Rangers finally strike, trading for MacKenzie Gore. Meanwhile, a little bit of soul-searching has me calling for a minor adjustment.

It wasn’t a trade deadline blockbuster, nor did it involve the biggest headliner that the Rangers have traded for in the last decade, or traded away. But there’s never been a more substantial trade for Texas in that time than this 5-for-1, at least in view of the combined stature of the 1 plus potential impact of the 5.

Track record hammers home that if there’s one through line for this franchise in terms of player acquisition positives in the last six or seven years, it’s that the Rangers have done a very good job helping very good big league pitchers find an extra gear.

Infielders Gavin Fien and Devin Fitz-Gerald, righthander Alejandro Rosario, outfielder Yeremy Cabrera, and first baseman Abimelec Ortiz to the Nationals for lefthander MacKenzie Gore is all about exactly that for the Rangers.

For me, it’s also about a look in the mirror.

I’m ready now to get to all of that. First, let’s dig into the decision that, along with the hiring of a new manager and with all due respect to a hitter swap with the Mets, is the one that will define this offseason, and — the Rangers certainly hope — plenty more than that.