MLB Trade Rumors: 10 Best Possible Outcomes of Michael Young Trade Saga

Breaking up is hard to do. 

Young has been the face of the Rangers for over a decade now, but his days in Texas appear to be numbered. 

At 34, the Rangers want Young to primarily bat DH, as the team signed 3B Adrian Beltre to play corner infield. 

Young, who has always been an above-average defensive player, still wants to be out on the field. 

Young feels "misled and manipulated" by the situation and has requested a trade. 

Is a breakup the best thing for both parties?  Can the two still remain friends? 

In descending order, here are the 10 best possible outcomes of the Michael Young trade saga.

1. Young Accepts His Role as DH

For an aging player, it can be difficult to admit when your time has come. 

Young can still hit for sure, and he was a great defensive player.  

His Gold Glove in 2008 and batting title in 2005 attests to that. 

But last year Young committed 19 errors at third, a career worst. 

Time heals all wounds, and although playing DH seems like a slap in the face to Young, it would actually be beneficial for him. 

Playing DH would save his body the wear and tear of playing in the field, probably prolonging his playing career by a season or two. 

He could still be used as a utility infielder and would still be in the everyday line-up—Young playing DH is the best possible outcome for both sides.

2. Young Moves to 1B

Young has changed positions before, and if he desires to play defense as well as hit, 1B is the most logical position for him to play. 

The Rangers have had a hole at 1B since the Mark Teixieira trade, and Young is rumored to be an option at 1B over incumbent Mitch Moreland. 

At 6'1", he is a little undersized for a 1B, and Young will probably be unable to reach some errand throws over his head.  But the possibility of another position change, the third of Young's career, is certainly an option.

3. Young Continues to Play 3B

Michael Young means so much to the Texas franchise, and he is one of the great hitters in MLB, with a career batting average of .300. 

Why should it be Young who has to make a position change? 

The six time All-Star has played his entire career for Texas, so why should he move over for the new guy?

Beltre is three years younger than Young, but why should the Rangers not make him the DH?  He certainly is not an upgrade defensively over Young—they both committed 19 errors last season. 

Rangers management should realize what Young has brought to the franchise, allow for him to continue to play 3B, and move Beltre to another position.

4. Young Is Traded

This is not an ideal solution to this problem, but a change of scenery might work best for both sides. 

Young's name would certainly draw attention in the open market, with Colorado, LA Dodgers and Arizona all reportedly showing interest in Young. 

The Rangers asking price might be steep, and the team that acquires Young would obviously have to honor his request to play in the field. 

As sad as it is for Texas fans to think about, the Rangers franchise in hits might be playing elsewhere next season.

5. Young Holds Out

Although holding out is most commonly done with contract disputes, Young could do so over his anger at a position change. 

The Rangers may not want to trade Young, regardless of his lack of desire to play DH.  They realize what an impact he has on their franchise, and might hold out hope that eventually Young will give in and switch positions. 

Young could use the same psychology on the Rangers.  By skipping spring training, he could send a message that he is serious about his desire to play in the field. 

A risky strategy, but ideally the Rangers would rather have Young at 3B than not have him at all, so the Rangers could give in to his demands if Young chooses to use this strategy.  

6. The Two Sides Negotiate

Young has played for the Rangers his entire career, and Rangers management would be sad to see him leave.  He is a fan favorite who doesn't give up on plays and is very involved in the community. 

Both sides have mutual respect for one another, so if they set their differences aside, a compromise that is acceptable to both parties could be reached. 

Maybe one side will give in a little bit—Young could play DH primarily and sometimes play 3B, or vice versa. 

Regardless, if both parties meet for a face to face talk and are willing to each give up a little, Young may not have to be traded at all.  

7. The Rangers Release Young

If all else fails, management might just have to cut their losses and release Young. 

If a deal cannot be made, Young's unhappiness could be a major distraction for a team trying to return to the playoffs. 

Releasing Young would give him an opportunity to freely negotiate with other teams and find a place that he fits in with. 

Management would ideally like to get something in return for Young, but they can't let his personal problems ruin what could be another great season for the Rangers.

8. Young Retires

Young has had a great playing career—calling quits at 34 might seem early, but if Young is happy with his career, he might take this approach if no resolution can be reached. 

It's unlikely—Young has made six straight All-Star teams and still appears to have plenty left in the tank. 

His stats from last season are similar to his career totals, and after coming up short in the World Series, Young would probably want another shot at a title. 

But Young feels disrespected by management.  If he does not like the direction the team is going, retirement is an option.

9. Young Remains on the Rangers

Not every story has a perfect (or even good) ending.  Sadly, this could be one of them.

This would be the worst possible outcome, but it is still a possibility nonetheless. 

Texas might not find a suitable trading partner for Young, and Young may be unwavering in his demand to be traded. 

Texas would not want Young to freely choose go to another team (thus hurting their team), so they might not release him if not traded.  As such, Young might remain on the roster but not be an actual part of the team. 

A similar example to this would be the Vince Young situation with the Titans. 

If both sides stand firm, this unfortunate situation could arise.  

10. Just Reach a Conclusion

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ARLINGTON, TX - OCTOBER 31: Manager Ron Washington #38 of the Texas Rangers walks to the dugout during their game against the San Francisco Giants in Game Four of the 2010 MLB World Series at Rangers Ballpark in Arlington on October 31, 2010 in Arlington

Whatever happens with Young, the best situation for both sides would be to resolve this problem quickly. 

Otherwise, it could leave a dark cloud hanging over the franchise. 

Regardless, manager Ron Washington is not letting the situation affect his team as they approach spring training.

"Baseball always has drama in it," Washington said. "You deal with it, you get through it and you move on. That's baseball."  

However the Michael Young saga ends, Rangers fans hope Washington is right.