Predicting the outcome of all Texas Rangers offseason trade rumors

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One Texas Rangers rumor expired yesterday morning when the organization dealt Jurickson Profar to Oakland. But how will the rest of the rumors play out this offseason?

As a rebuilding team, the Texas Rangers are focused on structuring a contender for the near future. That means much of their current roster is vulnerable to trades that would expedite the rebuild. We’ve already heard all sorts of rumors…

Is Mike Minor going to the Phillies? Will the Rangers deal Nomar Mazara or Joey Gallo? What uniform will Jurickson Profar be sporting on 2019 opening day? Is Jose Leclerc off-limits? What about Elvis Andrus?

One of those questions was answered yesterday morning when Texas dealt Profar to the Oakland Athletics for four prospects. The 25-year-old was amid trade conversations all offseason and a deal finally got done.

I’m here to set the record straight for the rest of the rumors. Speculations still surround so many Rangers, but all it takes is a little reasoning to uncloud those speculations. Let’s handle one rumor at a time and logically predict which players stay with Texas and which go elsewhere.

CHICAGO, IL – MAY 20: Mike Minor #36 of the Texas Rangers throws a pitch during the first inning of a game against the Chicago White Sox at Guaranteed Rate Field on May 20, 2018 in Chicago, Illinois. (Photo by Stacy Revere/Getty Images) /

What happens with Minor?

Minor is 30 years old with two years remaining on his three-year contract. He’s owed roughly $9.8 million each of the next two seasons.

Here’s the deal: the Rangers don’t really need a 30-year-old taking the mound for them at this stage of the rebuild. Yes, they just signed 31-year-old Lance Lynn to a three-year deal, but there is a big difference between a free agent signing and a trade. With Mike Minor coming off a quality season, and with him throwing left-handed, he is in considerable demand.

Lynn may be a trade chip next July or in coming offseasons; however, he is a guy the Rangers expect to keep them somewhat afloat in a rebuilding year. Some experts even think the Lynn signing opens the door wider for Minor to be dealt, as Texas now has a bit more flexibility within the rotation.

Now is the opportune time to trade the lefty. Again, he had a very nice 2018 season, therefore, the Rangers would be wise to strike while the iron’s hot. Teams don’t know if Minor peaked as a starter last year or if his best is yet to come. That uncertainty should actually play in Texas’ favor, as contenders are more likely to approach the trade market with optimism rather than skepticism.

For instance, if the Phillies believe Minor is someone who can effectively round out their starting rotation, why would they hesitate to acquire him? It’s better to fill a need early on than to wait until players come off the board.

Mike Minor fits many general needs; plus, he has a very team friendly salary. He will be somewhere other than Texas at the start of the 2019 season.

SEATTLE, WA – MAY 30: Nomar Mazara #30 of the Texas Rangers is congratulated by Joey Gallo #13 of the Texas Rangers after scoring on a triple by Jurickson Profar #19 of the Texas Rangers off of starting pitcher James Paxton #65 of the Seattle Mariners during the fourth inning of game at Safeco Field on May 30, 2018 in Seattle, Washington. (Photo by Stephen Brashear/Getty Images) /

What happens with Mazara and Gallo?

Here’s the one that should really catch everyone’s attention. Why would the Texas Rangers want to move their two most talented players? Especially since one is 23 years old and the other is 25?

Well, with great talent comes great appeal. For those teams who desperately need a lefty basher, Nomar Mazara and Joey Gallo look rather appealing. Neither have hit their prime and neither have reached the arbitration stages of their contracts. Thus, teams should be lining up to acquire either one of them.

The Rangers know how powerful their cases are, and that’s why they should be asking for the moon in any trade negotiations. They’ve invested a lot of time in development for both. They drafted each with high hopes that they would be integral pieces to a great run of success. For another team to disrupt the big picture for Texas, that team better expect for their farm to take a hit.

Once the offseason is all said and done, Mazara and Gallo will remain with the Texas Rangers. The asking prices will be too high for each, and, deep down, I believe the organization truly wants to retain both for the long-term.

If the front office expects the team to be competitive as early as 2020, why get rid of a supremely talented player who has yet to hit his prime? It just wouldn’t make sense.

If the rebuild stalls in any concerning way, they can revisit trading Mazara and Gallo later on. Something tells me their values will only go up.

ARLINGTON, TX – AUGUST 06: Jose Leclerc #62 of the Texas Rangers reacts after shutting down the Seattle Mariners in the top of the ninth inning at Globe Life Park in Arlington on August 6, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Tom Pennington/Getty Images) /

Are the Rangers willing to deal Jose Leclerc?

No. I do not see a Leclerc trade likely whatsoever this offseason. The 25-year-old will need to prove last season was not a fluke before gaining deserved interest. The following is the first run of stats I’ve pinpointed this article, but they are worth the view.

At the conclusion of the 2018 regular season, Leclerc posted a 1.56 ERA, a 0.850 WHIP, averaged 13.3 strikeouts and 0.2 home runs per nine innings, and held opposing hitters to a .126 batting average. He was absolutely phenomenal!

Will Andrus’ Texas tenure finally come to an end?

It’s hard to believe Elvis Andrus has been the Texas Rangers’ shortstop for 10 years and he just turned 30. He’s been a much-needed constant within a roster that’s seen a lot of turnover the past few years. I think he remains a constant, at least to start the 2019 regular season.

If Elvis comes out in 2019 and puts up big numbers, the Rangers may try to cash in on him at the trade deadline. He’s one of the few veterans left on the team, so if they want to flip him for more prospects it would not be too surprising.

Andrus’ contract runs through 2023 at $15 million per year. He can opt out after the 2019 season if he wants. $15 million certainly isn’t a burden to most teams; however, the opt out would be a concern. Still, other teams would be interested if the Rangers put Andrus on the trade block.

My gut feeling is Elvis Andrus will live out his full contract with the Texas Rangers. He may even retire with them in 7 to 10 years. Fans love him, he’s been great for the organization, he’s a leader, he’s still a very good player, and Texas needs to keep him around during these down years.

From the perspective of the All-Star shortstop, things are looking up for his team, he gets a brand-new ballpark in 2020, he’s the new clubhouse leader, and no one is threatening his position. If he wanted to jump ship, this offseason would’ve been the time to do it. He chose to stay, and his loyalty will be rewarded by the Rangers’ front office.

Home / Texas Rangers Rumors

One Texas Rangers rumor expired yesterday morning when the organization dealt Jurickson Profar to Oakland. But how will the rest of the rumors play out this offseason?

What happens with Minor?

What happens with Mazara and Gallo?

Are the Rangers willing to deal Jose Leclerc?

Will Andrus’ Texas tenure finally come to an end?

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