Predicting the outcome of all Texas Rangers offseason trade rumors

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.