Thanks to their depth in the middle part of the infield, the Texas Rangers are willing to part with SS Elvis Andrus. Rangers GM Jon Daniels told ESPN and MLB Network reporter Jim Bowden that the Rangers' front office will be willing to listen to trades centered around the 26-year old shortstop.
One major reason that Daniels may be looking to move Andrus is the 26-year old shortstop will have a new eight-year , $118 million contract extension kick in 2015. A contract that looked good prior to Andrus's 2014 campaign that saw the six-year veteran have career lows in batting average, on-base percentage, and WAR.
Coming into 2014, the two time All Star was a .273/.339/.38 hitter with 18 home runs and 264 RBIs. With a middle infield full of young talent, consisting of Jurkinson's Profar, Rougned Odor, and Luis Sardinas the Rangers have the flexibility to move Andrus. But will a team be willing to take on the next seasons of a $15 million salary? Not to mention that the Rangers will most likely want a prospect or two and a veteran pitcher as Calvin Watkins of ESPN Dallas pointed out
Despite the worst season of his career to point, Andrus is still one of the best, young shortstops in the game today. At 26, Andrus will just be hitting his prime over the course of the next few seasons. The only question that remains, is where will Andrus land this winter.