Rumors: Phillies, Mets Interested in Texas Rangers Ace Mike Minor

Just a day after throwing a complete game shutout, Texas Rangers ace, Mike Minor, seems to be generating significant trade interest.

Mike Minor is less than 24 hours removed from his best start as a member of the Texas Rangers. The veteran lefty was dealing against the Los Angeles Angels last night throwing a complete game shutout and allowing just 3 hits in a 5-0 Rangers win. It seems that start, and perhaps his solid start to the season, has landed him on the radar of a couple of teams desperate to contend this season.

Bob Nightengale of USA Today and an MLB Network Insider tweeted out Wednesday morning that the Philadelphia Phillies and the New York Mets are “showing strong interest” in acquiring Mike Minor. Trade rumors for Minor are no surprise as he’s been an expected piece to be moved this season as the Rangers continue to try and stockpile prospects. Still, it was nothing more than conjecture and guessing landing spots for the 31-year old. This seems like concrete interest from a very reputable source.

The question is now, when should Texas cash in? Currently, they sit at 9-7, tied for the 2nd AL Wild Card spot and just 2.5 games back of the Astros in the AL West. Obviously, 16 games into the season aren’t going to give you a long-term idea of where the Rangers will finish the year, it does cause some hesitation when it comes to dealing your most important players.

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However, both of the teams reportedly showing interest are both committed to competing this year and in need of quality starting the pitching. The Phillies made splashes this offseason signing Bryce Harper to what was at the time, a record-setting deal and trading for All-Star catcher JT Realmuto. New York, not to be outdone by their NL East opponents, acquired Robinson Cano and Edwin Diaz from the Seattle Mariners and extended Cy Young winner Jacob DeGrom.

The Phillies currently sit atop the NL East at 10-6 with the Mets just a .5 game back at 10-7. The NL East is one of the tougher divisions in the game right now which means having a deep rotation becomes all the more important. This may help Texas drive up the price for such a valuable commodity.

Despite the rumors, the Rangers will have to be wowed by an offer to consider parting ways with Minor. Texas believes it can compete for a Wild Card spot this season and isn’t going to throw that away less than a month into the year for nothing. The Rangers will no doubt set their price for Minor if Philadelphia and New York are indeed interested and won’t be inclined to budge for their top starter.