The Rangers are considering trading either second baseman Ian Kinsler or shortstop Elvis Andrus to open up a middle infield spot for Jurickson Profar, reports Ken Rosenthal of Fox Sports.
Rangers could trade Elvis Andrus or Ian Kinsler
The team wants to open up a starting spot in the middle infield for Jurickson Profar.
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Profar, rated by most as the top prospect in the MLB prior to the 2013 season, played in 85 games for the Rangers this season, hitting .234/.308/.336 as a 20 year old. With that experience under his belt and nothing left to prove in the minors, Texas is hoping to give the Curacao-born star a starting role in 2014.
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Andrus could prove difficult to move due to the nearly $125 million owed to the slick fielding shortstop through 2022. He also has a no-trade clause that would allow him to block a deal to ten teams. Furthermore, while his defense is outstanding, he hit just .271/.328/.331 in 2013, perhaps his worst career season at the plate. His 42 stolen bases were a career high, however.
Kinsler’s contract is a bit more manageable at $62 million owed to him through 2017. However, he is 31 and without the upside that Andrus would give. Kinsler hit for a 757 OPS in 2013 and his days of 30+ home runs appear to be long gone.
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There is a possibility that the Rangers could move Kinsler to first base rather than make a trade. He has never played the position professionally, but Mitch Moreland does not appear to be a long term option at first.
The Rangeres figure to have a busy offseason ahead of them as they look to regroup and keep pace with the AL West champion Athletics.
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