Texas Rangers Eyeing Derek Norris As Trade Target

Recently, rumors have started circulating about the Texas Rangers looking into a possible trade that would bring Derek Norris to Arlington.

With the Texas Rangers low on catching depth, Derek Norris, of the San Diego Padres has become of interest in a possible trade between the two teams.

Norris was acquired by the Padres last year in a deal with the Oakland Athletics that sent pitchers Jesse Hahn and R.J. Alvarez to Oakland. In 2015, Norris played in 147 games for the Padres and hit .250 with 14 homeruns and 62 RBI. Last year was his second best season at the plate in his short career with his best season coming in 2014 with Oakland when he hit .270 and his on base percentage was .361.

The 27 year old catcher would become part of a tandem with Robinson Chirinos replacing Chris Gimenez who is the current projected backup. Scheduled to make just under $3 million this season, Norris eliminates the drop-off in performance when Chirinos isn’t in the field which could be a key to some big wins especially in August and September as the grind of the season really begins taking its toll.

Earlier this week, the Texas Rangers were still linked to catcher Jonathan Lucroy, of the Milwaukee Brewers. Lucroy was a big target of the Rangers going into this offseason but no deal ever materialized. Lucroy would be the better of the two options for the Rangers however he would cost $4 million this season. However this deal is less likely because of the price the Brewers would likely ask. Lucroy hit .264 last year and is only a season removed from hitting .300 in 153 games for the Brewers.

If the Rangers pursue Norris, they would likely have to give up a promising prospect in return. Some have mentioned pitching prospects as possibilities because of the depth Texas has in that area. One trade possibility brought up by Adam Morris of Lone Star Ball, was young infielder Jurickson Profar. Profar would fill some need for the Padres but the Rangers would likely ask for more in return than just Norris.

With a deal that would send Profar to San Diego, the Texas Rangers would likely ask for some young position player in return to try and increase depth for the next couple of years. Profar is not crucial to the Rangers because of the depth they have up the middle. Jurickson likely would have come off the bench for Texas with Elvis Andrus starting at shortstop and Rougned Odor starting at second. Hanser Alberto is alongside Profar when in comes to depth on the major league roster and utility player Pedro Ciriaco has been putting up impressive numbers this spring meaning he wouldn’t hurt you if he was on the bench come Opening Day.

I could see the Rangers making a deal within the next day or so but the question will be who will they give up to build what many believe to be the weakest position for Texas.

Comment below and tell us what moves you’d like to see the Rangers make.

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