What could the Rangers get for Yu Darvish?

Are the Texas Rangers ready to part ways with ace Yu Darvish? What are some possible returns for the All Star?

Trade season is upon us, and for the first time this decade we could see the Texas Rangers throw their hat into the seller’s market.

Despite conflicting reports regarding the Rangers interest in holding onto Yu Darvish, the smart choice would be trading him — for the right price.

Let’s start with why. Why would the Rangers trade their ace when finding quality starting pitching has been a reoccurring problem since the conception of this franchise?

Well, it’s obvious, Yu is a free agent at the end of the season and is setting himself up for a massive payday. Sure the Rangers could make a run at re-signing him, but history is not in their favor. Thirteen starting pitchers have signed $100 million contracts in free agency, none of them with their former team.

There’s also the fact this Rangers team is not a World Series contender. They’re 18 games back in the division and in fourth place. Sure, they’re only 3.5 games back of the second wildcard, but five teams stand in their way. And do we really want to put the future of the franchise in jeopardy because of an off-shoot chance at the second wildcard?

Finally, it’s a seller’s market, and Darvish is it’s the biggest commodity. He is a rental, and that should tamper some expectations, but the haul could give a huge boost to a farm system desperately needing one.

The Dodgers, Astros, and Nationals are hoping to bolster their World Series contending rosters while teams like the Brewers, Cubs, and Yankees look to separate themselves in a crowded playoff picture.

Let’s look at five possible landing spots for the ace and what the potential return could be.