Mike Olt is a name to watch this week at the Winter Meetings, according to Jon Morosi of FOX Sports, who tweets that at least one rival official believes the Rangers are willing to trade the young third baseman.
According to T.R. Sullivan of MLB.com, the Rangers are receiving plenty of inquiries on Olt, but Sullivan isn't as certain Texas is open to a deal. General manager Jon Daniels tells Sullivan that although the perception is that Olt is blocked by Adrian Beltre, the Rangers don't view him that way. With Nelson Cruz, David Murphy, and Michael Young set to hit free agency a year from now, the Rangers feel Olt could be a key part of the lineup going forward, according to Daniels.
One report yesterday suggested that the Rangers would be open to including Olt in a deal for Justin Upton, but the Diamondbacks would prefer to acquire one of Texas' shortstops.
