Kevin Jairaj- USA TODAY Sports
The Texas Rangers may be smart to consider trading rookie sensation Jurickson Profar before the MLB trade deadline at the end of the month.
The 20-year-old shortstop is struggling to find playing time behind Elvis Andrus. The Rangers recently gave Andrus an eight-year, $120 million extension, ensuring the shortstop will be playing in Arlington until 2022, barring an unexpected trade.
So where does Profar fit in the Rangers’ plans moving forward? Profar has not been in the Rangers’ lineup on a consistent basis. He has started a mere 31 games this season, 22 of which have come at second base. Heck, there is so much hype surrounding Profar that the Rangers opted to throw the infielder in left field for a game.
Should the Rangers trade Profar? He was rated by MinorLeagueBall.com as the Rangers’ top prospect before the 2013 season started. In the little action Profar has seen, he has accumulated a .246 batting average with three home runs and nine RBIs. Despite these unimpressive numbers, Profar is a highly sought-after player, given his potential and his young age.
With the Rangers rotation decimated by injuries, the team may look to deal Profar for a starter. Could the Rangers attempt to reunite with Philadelphia Phillies left-hander Cliff Lee? The trade makes sense for both sides as the Rangers need a dominant pitcher in their staff for their playoff run, and the Phillies could use a bat like Profar for the present and the future in an offense that has struggled immensely in 2013.
Not to mention, current Phillies shortstop Jimmy Rollins is 34-years old, and his production is declining each and every year.
Phillies GM Ruben Amaro says he has no plans to trade Lee, but Amaro’s hand might be forced with the Phillies being 7.5 games behind the Atlanta Braves in the NL East.
The Rangers could attempt to trade for Chicago White Sox right-hander Jake Peavy, who is currently on the disabled list but could return to action before the All-Star break. Profar would be a perfect fit in Chicago, where current shortstop Alexei Ramirez has become a scapegoat for a struggling team because of his struggles at the plate, particularly with his inability to hit for power.
Peavy, meanwhile, is one of the best starters available on the open market. He has a knack for pitching well in big games and, if healthy, could be reliable No. 2 starter in a contending rotation.
It may be difficult for the Rangers to part ways with the phenom Profar given his high ceiling, but the team would be wise to deal him with his trade value sky-high.
Tyler Ash is a New England Patriots Writer for Rant Sports. Follow him on twitter @TyAsh34 Like His Facebook Page, or add him to your network on Google Plus.
