Texas Rangers: Does an improving Rougned Odor increase trade likelihood for Jurickson Profar?

With second base unavailable, what happens with Profar?

Let’s look at the big picture…

Odor is at second base, Adrian Beltre intends to stay a Ranger and would therefore stay at third base, there are no public plans to trade shortstop Elvis Andrus, and first base will be fought for by Ronald Guzman and Joey Gallo.

The outfield consists of Nomar Mazara, Delino DeShields and Gallo as of now. Plus, top prospect Willie Calhoun must be factored in as soon-to-be permanent big league outfielder.

More from Texas Rangers News

• Early 2023 MLB mock draft has Texas Rangers selecting an Ohtani-lite
• 3 Texas Rangers outfield trade targets not named Bryan Reynolds
• Did Jacob deGrom really mean what he said at his Texas Rangers press conference?
• Martin Perez accepting the qualifying offer looking like solid deal for the Rangers
• 4 outfielders the Texas Rangers can still pursue this winter

As you can see, Jurickson Profar is nowhere to be found. Profar is obviously too good to be confined to a utility role. So, where does he project two months from now? Or next year?

If GM Jon Daniels does not see a long-term fit for Profar then he will be traded. Profar’s value is as high as it has been since his first year in the majors and the Rangers may very well take advantage of that. He’s certainly not a surefire trade piece, but if Texas is offered a prospect or two of their liking then Jurickson Profar will be outed.

The Texas Rangers do have time to make a decision on him. If Beltre is dealt then third base is up for grabs. The way I see it, any future for Profar with the Rangers will be found at third base or left field. It just so happens both positions are spoken for at the moment.

Next: Rangers' Untouchables in Trade Negotiations

Profar has earned the trust of Rangers’ nation, but again, MLB is a business. There is a possibility that business will get in the way of Profar’s future with the Texas Rangers.