Even after moving second baseman Ian Kinsler, the Rangers would consider trading shortstop Elvis Andrus if the return was substantial, Fox Sports Ken Rosenthal reports.
Elvis Andrus rumors: Rangers willing to listen
The Rangers still have considerable depth in the infield, and that could lead them to consider moving Elvis Andrus -- but the return would have to be astronomical.
Jesse Johnson-US PRESSWIRE
Jurickson Profar and Rougned Odor would comprise a potentially Andrus-less Rangers' infield. While a trade is unlikely, the backup plan looks pretty good. Texas has been involved in several rumors on both the trade and free agent markets, and if the right deal came along that they felt would improve their chances at a return to the postseason in 2014, they will have to consider pulling the trigger.
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Andrus is under contract through 2022 with a vesting option for the 2023 season, so interested teams will not have to worry about him leaving town anytime soon if they are able to acquire him. Of course that longevity comes at a pretty lofty price, with nearly $125 million remaining on his deal. That would seem to exclude him from any package the Rangers might attempt to put together in an effort to acquire the Rays' David Price, as the contract makes Andrus and Profar even less interchangeable as trade assets than they already were.
Defensively, Andrus is one of the most consistently valuable shortstops in baseball. His 34 DRS (defensive runs saved) ranks 5th among MLB shortstops since he debuted in 2009. He’s also an excellent baserunner and has posted respectable on-base percentages in five-year his career with the Rangers. While his first half was horrific in 2013, he was much more like the Andrus the Rangers were hoping for after the All-Star break, batting .313/.369/.405 to go along with his defense.
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