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: