Texas Rangers Expected to Keep Jurickson Profar in 2018

The Jurickson Profar saga has been one of the most frustrating stories to watch if you’re a Rangers fan. Once top minor league prospect has never fully reached his potential, but could he become reliable in 2018?

The Texas Rangers once again roll into another off-season without a spot for once top Minor League prospect Jurickson Profar. The now 24-year-old infielder is out of options and must stay on the Rangers roster or be exposed to waivers.

There is a chance the Rangers attempt to trade Profar, but don’t know what kind of value he has anymore. Profar missed the 2014 season and most of 2015 with shoulder injuries, sadly he’s lost most of his value. According to T.R. Sullivan, general manager Jon Daniels had this to say about Profar.

“I think the exact fit on our team next season is still undetermined,” general manager Jon Daniels said at the GM Meetings. “He’s out of options; he’ll be on the club.”

The Texas infield will be crowded in 2018, but Elvis Andrus can opt out after the season and Adrian Beltre’s deal expires after 2018. Andrus is signed through 2022, but has an opt out clause in his contract. It’s unclear if the Rangers will attempt to compete or rebuild past 2018, so that could be the deciding factor.

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The Rangers are looking at losing possibly two starting infielders next off-season. Profar isn’t eligible for free agency until 2021, which means he could be in line to take one of the roles. That is part of the reason Texas has been hesitant about trading him.

Profar was the Opening Day left fielder in 2017, but it was short-lived. He played just 22 games with Texas last season, and spent most of his season in Triple-A Round Rock. Profar had a productive season there hitting .287 with seven home runs and 45 RBI.

The trade value just isn’t there for Profar right now, so it’s unlikely he gets moved. He’s played just 206 games over the course of four Major League seasons. There are likely interested organizations, but the Rangers have more to lose than gain by trading Profar right now.