Michael Young has been a popular man on the trade rumor circuit this offseason, but it wasn’t until this afternoon that we learned the third baseman had officially requested a trade. A number of teams could use a player of Young’s caliber, however only a few can afford the $48MM left on his contract. That’s why Texas will likely eat some of that money to facilitate a deal.
The Rockies have been, by far, the team most connected to Young. Their latest offer includes Jose Lopez but not Aaron Cook, and they’ll reportedly need the Rangers to absord $20MM or more in a deal. Eric Young Jr.’s name has also come up in talks. Colorado would play Young at second, the position he played when he first broke into the league.
We’ve also heard that the Dodgers have interest in acquiring Young, but their uncertain ownership situation is standing in the way. After missing out on Adrian Beltre, who displaced Young in Texas, it’s possible that both the Athletics and Angels would have interest in Young. Both clubs are seeking help at the hot corner, but it’s unclear if the Rangers would be willing to move him within the division. Mike DiGiovanna of The Los Angeles Times took a look at what it could take to send Young to Anaheim.
The Cardinals are also in need of a third baseman, however GM John Mozeliak has indicated that the team’s payroll is “leaking” following the Lance Berkman signing. They also need to focus on extending Albert Pujols. The Mets could use Young at second, but they don’t have much room in the budget and ownership is currently being sued for ten figures. It’s important to note that the only thing connecting those two clubs (plus the A’s) is my speculation.
Kyle Duvall
I’m sure AA can get Texas to pay the rest of Young’s salary and we’ll throw in maybe Jose Molina… #Sarcasm
Alex Grady
AA’s done more amazing things within the last month.
Janssen
Juan Rivera for Young and 10M.
NorthYorkJays
Is Young at 3/38m any better? They’d need to kick in more cash or prospects to make that work. I’d love to have him though.
Janssen
Puts Young at 3B, shifts Bautista into RF. As for the salary, I based that on WAR value conversion. Young seems to be worth somewhere in the region of 10.5M a year, and you clear 5.25M off the books by shifting Rivera. Call it 11.25M if that gets it closer.
However, I fail to see how this would improve the Rangers, so they’d have to be pretty desperate. I guess it depends how badly Young wants out.
NorthYorkJays
Young isn’t likely to be worth that much moving forward if he is providing negative defensive value. The Jays can afford to pay him 16m this year but most likely wouldn’t want owe him 16m per year in the 2012 & 2013 seasons. They just traded away Vernon to get away from a similar commitment.
Janssen
He’s been worth that much to date with his terrible defense being what it was. And if you get a commitment of money from the Rangers, you can budget it to knock down his salary for the successive years. The Rangers are going to have to eat some money no matter who they move him to. You are right though, that it’s just like a lot of the deals the Jays have been rumored to be considering. It ties them up with a guy who isn’t in their long term plans, as that gap at 3B really isn’t expected to last beyond this year.
NorthYorkJays
You can’t assume he maintains his bat’s level of production though – he’s turning 35 this year.
Janssen
Even this short discussion about it has soured me on it. I’d take him for a year, just like you said. But no more. All it does is block Lawrie, and you’re stuck paying a guy you don’t really need. And as has been pointed out many times, keeping Bautista at 3B for a year really hurts nobody.
baseballz
I really don’t see how Young would block Lawrie at third because Lawrie has never played third and doesn’t have the range or skills to play second. They will try Lawrie at third but its far from a sure thing he sticks there for even more then half a season in the minors. I’d say shift Aaron Hill to third, play Young at second. Jays send the Rangers Jesse Litsch and Josh Roenicke and Jays get Young and 20million
FrankTheFunkasaurusRex
you know its not actually a good deal to pay exactly what a player earns?
Janssen
Wow, thanks for ignoring the entire discussion. No, I didn’t realize that at all. In fact, I though we were supposed to pay twice what the player was worth, just as a matter of course.
phoenix2042
alex rios and vernon we– waaaait a minute…
shysox
I don’t think Rios’s contract is an albatross, it’s overpaid, but not THAT bad.
Janssen
If you do the math on it, it’s really not that bad at all.
NorthYorkJays
Alex Rios was worth every penny last year.
Janssen
According to FanGraphs he was worth 14.8M, and made 9.7, which seems fairly reasonable.
Guest 7454
fangraphs just says how much money they would have to spend to replace them, unless andres torres is really worth like 30MM
phoenix2042
i know. he had a really good year. the problem wasn’t that he wasn’t worth it, it was that he was getting paid too high a percentage of the team’s payroll. kind of like arod with the rangers. he was half their payroll but technically, from a $/WAR ratio, he was worth about twice what he was being paid. the team just could not afford that much money tied up in one player, and so with rios (though to a lesser extent) in toronto. and so with wells as well (um… sorry for that unfortunate wording).
Janssen
At least the Jays got some value out of shifting Wells. Losing Rios for nothing was mildly annoying.
NorthYorkJays
I don’t see it as that – they lost Rios for the price of discovering Jose Bautista. Otherwise Rios is the RF and Bautista has to fight Encarnacion for playing time in 2010.
Janssen
Oh, he had to go anyways. I just wish they could have picked up a token prospect or two, just to make it an actual trade.
Redsoxn8tion
Anywhere but Texas, where he belongs
Jaxson
Michael Young and Taylor Teagarden to Detroit for Carlos Guillen, Casper Wells and Brennan Boesch
Chris Utterback
not a chance. unless he can play left or second, hes none of the tigers business
inleylandwetrust
No, no, no, no, no. Why do people in Detroit want this guy so bad?!?!? Let’s set aside the rediculous contract and talk about Young as a player. For starters he is a HORRIBLE defender, at any position you put him, no matter how you slice it. Secondly, check his home/away splits. In 2010 He hit for average .47 pts lower on the road and had 6 home runs compared to 16 at home. His slugging pct goes from .509 at home to .380 (!) on the road. His OBP dips below.300 on the road.
That was for last season, now look at his career splits. An .859 OPS at home compared to .733 on the road. So if his bat isn’t swinging as well as you would like, it makes that defense a littttttle bit harder to overlook.
Now for that trade proposal. We trade Brennan Boesch-who granted was ABYSMAL in the 2nd half, but showed immense promise in the 1st half- and don’t even give it another year or 2 to see who the true Brennan Boesch is, and give up Casper Wells who put up some nice numbers down the stretch, for a 34 yr old, declining Micheal Young.
Why not give Will Rhymes or Scott Sizemore, 2 relatively young 2nd basemen who showed some potential, a chance to win the job?
Then we add in the $48 million owed to Young for 3 more seasons and this trade makes zero sense for Detroit. We are just beginning to finally shed some bad contracts, why strap ourselves down with another one?
Jaxson
I agree with the contract issue. 3 years left with that money isn’t good. I think Young has a good head on his shoulders as veteran who can teach Sizemore and Rhymes a lot, he plays 2nd, bats second behind Jackson, in front of Maggs, Cabrera and V-Mart.
Last season he spent a good chunk injured, but I get his stats as well. But really, after last year, 2nd base can’t get any worse. I’d rather take on Young than watch Carlos Guillen try and fail miserably and trying to come back again.
If they go after him, I like it, if they don’t, I’ve got full faith and confidence in Will Rhymes to step up and have a good year.
inleylandwetrust
I won’t lie, if we did get him I would somehow manage to spin it in a positive light even though I am so against it now. But I just hope we aren’t counting on Guillen as anything more than a utility man at this point. Rhymes needs to secure that position, he has decent speed, hits for a decent average and plays ok defense. If he can build off his performance last season then we will be ok at 2nd.
shysox
White Sox!
For Gavin Floyd and Dayan Viciedo?
SpaldingBalls 2
Yea throw in John Danks and Gordon Beckham while you’re at it
SpaldingBalls 2
Though I do think they should pursue it. Though it makes more sense to trade a guy like Peavy to offset salary obligations, or Teahen, Flowers and someone else for Young + cash
Dan Warner
no way he’ll cost that much he wants out they have no choice but to trade him…
BillB325
Fukudome, Wells, Mateo, and Dolis for Young and the salary difference of the year.
Janssen
How about the entire Florida Marlins for Michael Young and a club sandwich.
Chris Utterback
sadly, i think the white sox would be a nice fit for young. I would love floyd out of chicago. pickin on the tigers all the time.
Sean
Why are the cardinals even listed? We all know they could use him, but who couldn’t really?
If all of their focus isn’t on Pujols then something is seriously wrong with the way this front office works
Redbirds16
How much manpower and attention is really needed to settle Pujols’ negotiations. I mean, they’ve had several years to prepare for this moment. I’m sure the deck is stacked and they’re just waiting to see where the cards fall.
As much as I’d like the Cards to pick up Young, I think other ballclubs can put up more enticing offers than St. Louis.
stl_cards16
Negotiations of this type(Albert Pujols), that are this critical to a teams finances and future are generally handled by the team president/owner. Bill Dewitt, I’m sure is “all in” on the Pujols contract talks. The GM however(John Mozeliak) , better continue to build a team. A GM’s work is never done.
With all that said, I don’t want anything to do with Young unless we can get him without giving up anything and the Rangers paying all but 15MM. I’d pay him 5MM/year.
unvme7
This is going to take longer than expected. As soon as young requested a trade, everyone even remotely interested are going to be possibilities. Expect the rangers to take longer than just a few days. If they are going to trade him, they are going to take their time and get the most value for him without having to pay the majority of his salary.
Ross Smith
How about Michael Young to the Nationals? With them missing out on the highly touted free agents all winter. It would be amazing to see Washington pull something off and they should have the money to do it. Question is whether if they have the talent to do it. It would be interesting. You could have Young play 2nd or Short. 2nd most likely with Desmond at short?
Devon Labella
Did they not pay Jayson Werth 126 Million?
And where would he play? 1st? Second?
Ross Smith
Ok so Yes, They paid Jayson Werth 126 Million. Young would play 2B. Olney says since his defense has been poor many people look at him as a 2B when they trade for him.
Mochi
“With them missing out on the highly touted free agents all winter.”
Jayson Werth?
Ross Smith
I guarantee you they wanted more than Jayson Werth all Winter.
dc21892
They want Espinosa and Desmond to develop, they’re not going to go and get Young. He can’t play first because they just signed LaRoche.
BitterBen
I think the Cards should step up and deal Pujols, Jay, Berkman for Hamilton Young, Moreland.
For the Cards: They avoid potential media disaster by letting Pujols walk and replace him with MVP caliber player in Hamilton. Adding Young makes the offense more balanced after losing Pujols and they need a 3b. Moreland adds a young guy who can play 1B who has upside and showed signs of progress the 2nd half of the season last year. They get cheaper deals than Pujols would have cost and stretch out the lineup, and in part save face.
For the Rangers: They add the best bat in the game to an already loaded lineup. Pujols as a 1b/Dh for the next 5-6 years in Arlington is scary. 75 hr’s anyone? They get some young OF help in Jay and move Murphy into left permanently, with Borbon in CF and Cruz in RF. Puma adds a solid DH bat and occasional 1B/LF sub. They dont lose any offense and in some regards gain. A lineup starting with Andrus,Kinsler, Pujols, Cruz, Beltre is outright scary.
Ferrariman
i don’t even know where to begin. I’m debating if this is worth a serious response. I’l get back to you on that later…
Redbirds16
In all honesty, the deal almost matches up…
…but is totally impossible for a whole host of reasons. I’m sure everyone can think of at least 5 off the top of their head.
I applaud the guy for thinking big though.
shysox
Please take a second and think about this. 1st, Albert has a full no-trade clause and will almost certainly veto a trade to Arlington. 2nd, not even the Josh Hamilton is a good enough return for Pujols. And trade Berkman? The guy they signed in the offseason? Come on. Your statement is delusional and illogical.
stl_cards16
This trade would not happen. But why would it be so wild for Albert to accept a trade to Arlington IF they worked out an extension? Man would he set some records there. And if the Cardinals decide that they cannot extend Albert past this season, 2 years Josh Hamilton is certainly a good enough return for one year of Pujols. But as stated, there are alot of reasons this trade will not work.
inleylandwetrust
Everyone’s posting career has to start somewhere I guess…
FrankTheFunkasaurusRex
what is this. i don’t even.
SpaldingBalls 2
For one thing, the Cards are getting worse with this deal without saving money. And for another, this isn’t MLB the Show. You don’t sign a guy, and then trade him immediately.
damnitsderek
You’re not a general manager anymore, Mr. Bavasi. This needs to stop.
Lanidrac
Besides, the Cardinals already have a good 3rd baseman with David Freese (as long as he stays healthy).
Bill Endraske
Didn’t Berkman say something like he didn’t want to play for the Rangers because they didn’t have any talent? Oh yeah, that would go over well…
Gumby65
Talk about stretching a guy to the limits; he has been pretty dang accommodating to moving around for Texas. For Texas’ part, the guy IS getting paid. For his part though, enough is enough.
jhardman_13
I know this will never happen but the cubs should look into young. They could trade A. Soriano and Jeff Samardjia for Young. Both players making a lot of money (soriano of course more) which is why you sweeten the deal with Samardjia. Soriano could be there fulltime DH (which he really is) Rangers get a good young pitcher. Young could play second this year and then third next year when aramis is probably gone. This would also open up an outfield spot for Colvin……If only Hendry was good at his job
jrodhard
We must think alike…I would say Soriano, Blake DeWitt and cash for Young. There is no reason to give up Samardjia in this deal. Plus all three of those players have no trades and so anyone of them could veto and screw it up. Young wants out and would likely okay the move. Soriano has been in TEX before so it might be an easy sell to get him to go. Samardjia gave up football to play for the Cubs (hence the no trade) and would likely have to be convinced he had no future there.
bjsguess
You have to sweeten the pot MUCH, MUCH more to get rid of Soriano.
Dynasty22
Just out of interest, but does anyone know the other 7 teams that the Rangers can trade Young to without a no-trade clause in effect?
cards2WS
Has everyone forgotten about David ? It’s not as though he’s out for the season. Micheal young would be fine playing 2nd but leave freese for third.
Redbirds16
David Freese has a lot to prove and it wouldn’t hurt to have a better hitter than Nick Punto over there at 3B if Freese goes down again.
The guy has two new ankles at a reactionary position. I don’t doubt he’ll twist an ankle before June… hopefully he’ll have rehabbed his ankles enough to the point where they’ll be strong enough to stand up to the grind of a full season.
Allen Craig should get a good look at 3B and spend some serious time with Jose Oquendo.
Ferrariman
i’d rather have nick punto at like 800k or whatever we gave him than Young even if the Rangers ate 15million of his contract. Last year, we couldn’t hit or field at third, at least this year Punto can play good defense. I can’t say the same for Young. He hasn’t hit that great outside of Arlington either.
Redbirds16
Really? Young is a solid hitter. .284/.330/.444 last year with 21 jacks and 36 doubles, OPS+ of 105, which is certainly more than Punto will provide. And who says he’d play 3B exclusively. Personally I’d put him at 2B (where he’d rate a better fielder I’d think, certainly no worse than Schumaker) and only move him to 3B if Freese gets injured/needs a rest. Also, he absolutely murders LHP, which is something the Cards always seem to have trouble with…
But you’re right, he played atrociously away from Arlington last year. And this is a cause for concern. He also is a streaky hitter, which LaRussa doesn’t really like either, as he is always fiddling with the lineup playing the hot hand and matchups and whatnot.
aaronanderson16
I know I was thinking the same, Freese played well for the Cards while he was healthy. If he stays healthy he could put up numbers like .285, 15 hrs and 70 to 80 rbis, thats not bad when he is likely your number 6 or 7 hitter. Young would look great at second but is way too much money when you consider that in maybe 2 or 3 years zach cox could be there.
Tom C
Just a completely wild suggestion, but why not Philadelphia. Based on salaries, the Phillies could offer Joe Blanton ($17MM over two years) and Placido Polanco ($12MM over two years) for Young ($48MM over three years).
The Phillies might need Texas to chip in a few million, but on paper, it seems like the deal could work for both sides. Blanton fills out the Rangers rotation nicely eating innings, while Polanco could play second base, where he won a gold glove just two years ago. The Phillies would acquire a third-baseman with some pop, who would certainly play well in their lineup and in their ballpark.
Almost no chance that will happen, but with the Blanton rumors, you never know.
Redbirds16
Polanco would be super-utility in Arlington. No way he ousts Kinsler.
I don’t think the Rangers would bite on this one. Innings-eating Blanton would be a good addition, but Texas would undoubtedly want a young prospect instead of Polanco. Maybe involve a 3rd team? Send Polanco to StL (not likely) or Oakland or somewhere else?
Tom C
All good points. You’re right, Polanco would either play third or super utility in Texas. Like I said, highly unlikely, but figured it was at least more intriguing than hearing people think that Pujols is moving.
stl_cards16
They signed this guy named Adrian Beltre for a few dollars. I think third base might be filled for awhile in Arlington.
Redbirds16
For sure, but the Phillies are probably on the short list of teams that wouldn’t get much by trading for Young.
The BoSox, Yankees, Reds, Phillies, Mariners, and Brewers are all set at 2B/3B. I don’t really see Young returning to SS or having much value as a LFer (low value = not much of a return for the Rangers and in that case they’d just hold onto him).
The Marlins, Royals, Pirates, Indians, Orioles, D’Backs, Rays and Astros, really have no reason to trade for him as they won’t be contending and/or playing Young would take time away from their young prospects.
So that leaves the Rockies, Padres, Dodgers, Giants, Angels, A’s, Cardinals, Cubs, Tigers, Twins, Nats, Mets, ChiSox, Jays and Braves as potential suitors, although some of these teams obviously have more ‘potential’ than others.
Half the league could trade for this guy, depending on the price… Absurd.
Sixto_Lezcano
Michael Young + Cash to Milwaukee for Randy Wolf?
SpaldingBalls 2
Don’t know if that would work, but how brutal would Wolf be in Arlington? Eeesh
Alex Grady
took like 70 posts in the thread, but someone finally said something somewhat intelligible.
Matt R.
Where does Young play in Milwaukee? I thought this made sense when I thought Young would be willing to be a utility guy, but Counsell backs up at 2B, SS and 3B, Kotsay is at 1B. If one of those guys weren’t around, it makes sense. I personally don’t like this idea but what if it was Betancourt for Young? No way they send Counsell anywhere.
aaronanderson16
Is this a joke? I mean I woudl rather have a 38 year old Young than Randy Wolf on any team.
Steven Melchiorre
well we all know the phillies will come in last second and grab him
xcal1br
I like the Fukudome idea. Not sure who else Hendry would need to include, but could be win-win.
dgrfns
I think a better poll would be “Who thinks whatever team signs Young will regret it by seasons end?” This guy is overrated and just a product of a tiny ballpark. There is a reason he doesn’t have a position on the Rangers.
Tom
The Rangers totally blew this one. Why the heck did they sign Beltre when Young has 95% if not more of Beltre’s production. They’re basically a comp for one another. But Young has no where to go but DH. Why would a guy who loves to play the field want to DH? So the Rangers had nothing going on in the off season, they didn’t have to “make a move”. Now they’ll get pennies on the dollar for Young. Serves them right. “Don’t Just Do Something– Stand There.” (Benjamin Graham)
GarroidLA
It def won’t be any team in the AL West and I’m pretty sure his no trade clause prevents him from going to a garbage organization like Toronto. If the Dodgers can afford him but i doubt it with the divorce and colletti seems to only spend big money on washed up players (schmidt,manny and jones) so most likely he will end up with the Rockies.
Guest 7447
and play where?
Chris
Does anyone think the Mets could offer Beltran in a package for Young? Its just about an even contract swap for one year and then after Castillo and Perez come off the books next year they wouldn’t be paying extra to keep Young. Even if his defense is lacking its still better than the Mets current options at 2nd. Also if they let Reyes go and bring up Havens then Young moves back to short.