The A’s and Rangers Trade Destiny

The Texas Rangers have an enviable amount of depth at the shortstop position. With shortstops coming at a corner position price in today’s market the Rangers are in the driver’s seat when it comes to being a trade partner. Elvis Andrus has already drawn plenty of trade interest over the past couple of seasons but with the emergence of top prospect Jurickson Profar the Rangers are in position to trade one of them to fill other needs in their roster. With Josh Hamilton likely departing via free agency and a bullpen and rotation that is shaky the Oakland A’s match up perfectly with the Rangers needs. The A’s need a shortstop and they have depth in the outfield, rotation, and bullpen.

October 1, 2012; Oakland, CA, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) hits a RBI-single scoring catcher Mike Napoli (not pictured) during the third inning against the Oakland Athletics at O.co Coliseum. Mandatory Credit: Kyle Terada-US PRESSWIREThe A’s have a hole at the shortstop position with the trade of Cliff Pennington and the departure of Stephen Drew. As the days go on it is getting more and more likely the A’s will not be able to resign Drew. It has surfaced that the Yankees, Tigers, and Red Sox all have interest in Drew. This leaves the A’s at the back of the line financially. With a weak shortstop market already the A’s will need to turn to a trade to fill the gap it seems.

Something the A’s do have, however, is depth in the outfield with four players capable of starting. They also have bullpen and rotation depth. The Rangers need an outfielder and can always use help in the rotation and bullpen especially considering the park they play in. While these two teams seem like natural trade partners there is still the overlying problem that they play within the same division.

Here’s one solution. Both teams should understand they are trying to improve each other and therefore not raise the price at all. A possible trade scenario could look like the A’s receiving Andrus and cash while the Rangers receive Chris Young, Tommy Milone, and a prospect. The A’s would get their shortstop on the cheap while also saving the cost of Chris Young’s contract. Milone is not making enough to really make a difference. Also they would not lose much roster wise as they have multiple back up options in the rotation.

Sep 12, 2012; Arlington, TX, USA; Texas Rangers shortstop Jurickson Profar (2) and shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) wait to congratulate teammates after defeating the Cleveland Indians at Rangers Ballpark. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-US PRESSWIREThe second solution would be a trade of prospects. The A’s would get Jurickson Profar for the A’s highly regarded outfield prospect Michael Choice. Choice was hurt at the end of last season so the A’s would probably have to add to the deal another mid level or non prospect.

The last solution that may work is the Rangers trading Andrus to the A’s for Reddick and Balfour. This would fill both teams’ major needs while not handcuffing the other too much.

There are a few things to consider about these proposals however. One, this probably to definitely will not happen. Two, the names I mentioned may not be the same. Three, money and player control will be a factor for the A’s. Four, the A’s may still resign Drew or go another trade route such as Jhonny Peralta. Five, again this probably won’t happen so don’t get your hopes too high. This is merely a thought I had (or more so a dream).