The Philadelphia Phillies appear to be pushing hard to deal infielder Michael Young before Wednesday's deadline, but the veteran isn't making things easy for the club. Though he's received interest from a number of clubs, Young, who holds a full no-trade clause with the Phillies, will accept only a deal that sends him back to the Texas Rangers, reports Ken Rosenthal of FOX Sports.
Phillies rumors: Michael Young will accept trade back to Rangers only
The veteran infielder has used the power of his negotiated no-trade clause to let the Phillies know he’ll move only if he returns to Arlington.
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More Phillies: Young trade imminent?
There were reports earlier in the week of the Rangers having internal discussions about bringing Young back to the club to fill their need for a right-handed bat, but it’s unclear whether they’ve actually talked to the Phillies about a deal.
Cliff Lee, the Phillies & Stubbornness
The Phillies are asking for a lot for the veteran left-hander. Are they asking for too much?Under normal circumstances, the Phillies would have no trouble dealing a veteran player like Young, who is set to be a free agent and lost his 10-and-5 trade protection when he accepted the original trade to Philadelphia. However, Young negotiated a new, full no-trade clause when he joined the Phillies over the winter, making a deadline deal a much taller task for Ruben Amaro and friends.
Though Young has limited the Phillies' options to one, there is some indication that a trade will still be done. The club called up third-base prospect Cody Asche Tuesday morning, which would be a strange move if Young wasn't soon to depart.
Young, 36, is putting together a solid year at the plate -- hitting .277/.342/.402 with seven home runs in 398 plate appearances -- but is a serious liability in the field.
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