Texas Rangers trade feature: Is Shin-Soo Choo gone by July 31st?

Likelihood Choo is traded: 90%

Shin-Soo Choo has been playing out of his mind lately. In June, he hit .347 with a .466 OBP. He also slugged .621 and earned an OPS of 1.087. He’s continued the remarkable stretch into July, hitting .375 with a .444 OBP and a 1.153 OPS over six games. Oh, and he hasn’t gone a game without reaching base since the middle of May!

Choo’s performance is well beyond the “streak” phase. His ability to reach base has literally become an everyday occurrence and he’s hit well over .300 for more than two months. What team would not want in on Shin-Soo Choo?

Yes, he spends most of his time as a designated hitter, but he can certainly still hold his own in the outfield. Choo’s arm strength remains better than league average and he has plenty of outfield experience to still be familiar with routes and awareness. Thus, he is up for sale to both American League and National League contenders. A number of contenders should be able to find room for the on-base machine that is Shin-Shoo Choo.

Of course, the trick will be his contract. Any team that acquires Choo will have him for at least two seasons. But they won’t be paying his full salary. Texas will have to decide on how much of the remaining $42 million they are willing to eat. Choo has been so good this season that a team may be willing to pickup half of it, maybe even a little more. Though, in their bargaining efforts, the Rangers will have to prioritize either prospect return or salary offloading.

Some way, some how, a deal will get done. Choo is too desirable to stay in Texas. He will be moved, it’s just a matter of where…