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MLB Trade Rumors: 5 veterans who are prime trade candidates

By Rucker Haringey

Sep 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 6, 2016; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Twins second baseman Brian Dozier (2) hits a home run in the first inning against the Kansas City Royals at Target Field. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports /
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ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 11: Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) looks in disgust after a fly-out during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels on April 11, 2018 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
ARLINGTON, TX – APRIL 11: Texas Rangers shortstop Elvis Andrus (1) looks in disgust after a fly-out during the game between the Texas Rangers and the Los Angeles Angels on April 11, 2018 at Globe Life Park in Arlington, Texas. (Photo by Matthew Pearce/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images) /

player. 95. . SS. Texas Rangers. Elvis Andrus. 3

Rangers fans shouldn’t be kidding themselves this season. Their 11-18 start is absolutely real. The team isn’t going anywhere. As a result, keeping a 30-year-old shortstop who can opt out of his current deal to seek a big deal in free agency on your team just doesn’t make sense.

With all that being said, Elvis Andrus is still a good player who can really help a team that fancies itself as a contender. He doesn’t run like he used to, but he’s developed some above-average pop in his bat. Andrus also happens to be off to a good start at the plate this season with an average of .327.

All of this gives Texas a real opportunity to deal Andrus and strengthen their farm system. He may continue to hit for power over the next several years, but his legs could also deteriorate the point where he can’t play shortstop any longer. It’s fair to question just how valuable Andrus would be if he were forced to play first or third base.

The Rangers shouldn’t be desperate to deal Andrus, but they need to let teams know that he is available for the right price. If they can get one top prospect plus a couple of other interesting young players it would make sense to let Elvis leave the building.

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