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Trade Grade: Texas Rangers Land Prospect Haul, Deal Jurickson Profar

By Kenneth Nash

ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers fields a ground ball against the Tampa Bay Rays in the top of the second inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 19, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX - SEPTEMBER 19: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers fields a ground ball against the Tampa Bay Rays in the top of the second inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on September 19, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /
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SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 26: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers at bat against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at AT&T Park on August 26, 2018 in San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Texas Rangers 3-1. All players across MLB will wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms during Players Weekend. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images)
SAN FRANCISCO, CA – AUGUST 26: Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers at bat against the San Francisco Giants during the fourth inning at AT&T Park on August 26, 2018 in San Francisco, California. The San Francisco Giants defeated the Texas Rangers 3-1. All players across MLB will wear nicknames on their backs as well as colorful, non-traditional uniforms featuring alternate designs inspired by youth-league uniforms during Players Weekend. (Photo by Jason O. Watson/Getty Images) /

What Did Texas Give Up?

Before we get into what the Rangers got back, let’s take a look at what they gave up. Right off the bat, obviously, they gave up Jurickson Profar who at one time was the top prospect in baseball. Profar, who had struggled to cement a spot for himself with Texas for years had a breakout season in 2018 that saw him become a regular in the lineup. Last season in 146 games, Profar hit .254 with a .793 OPS while playing a plethora of positions across the diamond.

2018 was by far Profar’s best season in the majors and revived hope that he could turn into an impact player long term. At 25, Profar is still a young player by baseball standards which may raise questions as to why Texas would deal him, particularly to a team in the division. But with only 2 more years until Profar is set to become a free agent, the likelihood that Profar would be of value to a contending Rangers club in slim as Texas continues to rebuild. It was best to capitalize on his value while you could.

LHP Rollie Lacy

Rangers fans likely recognize the name Rollie Lacy as well, the second piece Texas dealt on Friday as part of the three-team deal. Lacy is a right-handed pitching prospect headed to the Tampa Bay Rays. Lacy was acquired back in the summer as part of the deal that sent Cole Hamels to the Chicago Cubs. At 23 years old, Lacy spent 2018 with the Cubs and Rangers Single-A affiliates making 24 appearances, 18 starts and posting a 2.97 ERA.

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