Should The Rangers Consider Trading Elvis Andrus?
ARLINGTON (CBSDFW.COM) -- Elvis Andrus was viewed as a "star-caliber", core member of the Texas Rangers when he signed an eight-year extension with the team in 2013.
Since signing the extension, he's failed to meet those expectations.
The New York Post reports that Yankees officials are "intrigued" by the possibility of adding Andrus, as the franchise looks to replace future Hall of Fame shortstop Derek Jeter. No. 2 has manned the position in New York for the last 20 years.
Andrus' contract extension, which will pay him $15 million annually through 2020, kicks in next season. According to Baseball Prospectus, Andrus will have a limited no-trade clause beginning in 2016. He can also opt out after the 2018 and 2019 seasons.
The 26-year-old posted career lows in batting average (.268) and on-base percentage (.314) in 2014, posting a WAR of just 1.0 (his lowest since 2010).
After signing the extension four games into the 2013 season, Andrus batted .271 with four homeruns and stole 42 bases.
Should the Rangers decide to trade Andrus, internal options would include Jurickson Profar and Rougned Odor.
Profar missed the 2014 season with a recurring shoulder injury. Odor was solid in his MLB debut, hitting .259 with 9 homeruns and 48 RBIs as a 20-year-old.
Rangers officials have refused to comment on a possible Andrus trade, per team policy. Any trade sending Andrus away would likely require Texas to pay a portion of Andrus' future salary.
That could free up some money for Texas to pursue help in free agency, with starting pitching remaining a significant need.
Andrus was voted the runner up for the Rookie of the Year Award in 2009 and is a two-time All Star (2010, 2012).
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