MLB Trade Rumors: Updating the Suitors for Texas Rangers' Star Michael Young
As Spring Training nears its end, Michael Young is still a Texas Ranger. However, it’s not guaranteed he’ll finish with the Rangers even if he lines up on the first base line on April 1 at Texas Rangers Ballpark in Arlington.
The main reason Young has yet to change uniforms, is the Rangers are reluctant to pay too much of his salary to play elsewhere. The asking price for Young has been too rich for opposing team’s liking.
There have been recent reports that the Rangers would be willing to eat up to about $24 million remaining of Michael Young’s contract. If the Rangers go forward with this, a Young trade goes from remote to possible.
Jon Daniels and Young have spoke of the trade request to each other recently behind closed doors, and the entire issue looks to be behind the Rangers and Young as well. Daniels stated, “Could something change? I wouldn't rule it out. But I don't expect a trade." Alright, now the trade likelihood is back to bleak.
So who would be interested in a utility player and a declining defender at around $8 million over the next three seasons? There are multiple teams that would be interested in Young, but meeting the asking price financially, and in terms of prospects, completely realistically removes these teams from consideration.
If there will be a trade of Young, these three teams would be the likeliest of landing spots:
Chicago Cubs
1 of 3
Blake Dewitt currently mans second base at Wrigley, so Michael Young would be an upgrade offensively. Young would also be a great asset for new Manager Mike Quade, with Young’s flexibility to fill in for Aramis Ramirez or Carlos Pena on the corners, in the event of long-term injuries.
Also, Young could be paired with hitting coach Rudy Jaramillo, who was Young’s coach during his streak of 200 hit seasons.
Another reason why Young could end up a Cubbie is, of all the teams that could be possible landing spots for Young, the Cubs have bad contracts to swap with the Rangers. Those would be Alfonso Soriano, Carlos Zambrano and Kosuke Fukudome
Possible trade: Michael Young, Julio Borbon for Marlon Byrd, Kosuke Fukudome.
Colorado Rockies
2 of 3
The Rockies have been the team with the closest ties to Young, with a few seemingly imminent deals that fell through.
The hold up has been the amount of money the Rangers will send to Coors Field. The Rockies are clearly interested in Young, but at $8 million?
The Rangers have been desiring Dexter Fowler in return, and Colorado doesn’t seem too enamored with that idea.
Possible trade: Michael Young, Julio Borbon, $20 million for Aaron Cook and Dexter Fowler.
Philadelphia Phillies
3 of 3
Chase Utley is out indefinitely, Luis Castillo is now in Philly, but it seems they don’t have a ton of faith in him to fill in for Utley.
The Phillies have a position for Young as well as financial flexibility to absorb his contract. While the Phillies are the best fit, they haven’t been as intrigued with Young as other teams, likely due to the asking price. This however, could change if second base becomes a wasteland offensively.
Possible trade: Michael Young for Placido Palanco and Joe Blanton.
So will Young be traded? Where's the best fit? Or is this already swept under the rug?
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