Texas Rangers: 5 Offseason Likelihoods

Nov 7, 2015; Phoenix, AZ, USA; Texas Rangers infielder

during the Arizona Fall League Fall Stars game at Salt River Fields. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Texas Rangers Likelihood #3: Jurickson Profar Will Get Another Chance

The Texas Rangers once boasted having the top prospect in all of baseball. After breaking onto the major league scene with the homerun in his Rangers debut, Jurickson Profar has seen injury after injury derail his once promising career.

With his trade stock at an all-time low, Jon Daniels and the Rangers have no other alternative but to play out their hand and see what the still-young Profar has left. This winter, the Texas Rangers are taking it safe with Profar giving him time off now so he’s ready and rested for spring action.

"“If our mindset was to trade him right now, maybe it makes sense to go play winter ball and let other teams see him and make that evaluation that his arm is 100 percent,” Daniels told Evan Grant at DMN. “That’s not really our mindset.”"

Profar is being prepped to return to his original position, shortstop. When Profar moved up to the Texas Rangers he played primarily second base, but with the young Rougned Odor manning 2B for the foreseeable future, a move to his natural position could be beneficial for Jurickson.

At only 22 years of age, Jurickson has ample time to correct his career path. He’s athletic and smart enough to one day help the team at 2B, 3B, or even outfield if needs be. But that all starts with a healthy arm/shoulder and a good spring.

"“Could he end up playing third base, Daniels rhetorically asked Kevin Sherrington. “Could he end up playing second base? Playing the outfield? Yes, he’s athletic enough for all of those things. First time back after missing the better part of two years, we’re gonna play it safe and have him focus on shortstop first.”"

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Many are questioning if the move to SS signals an end to Elvis Andrus -should Jurickson prove healthy of course. But it really appears the Rangers are most interested in taking this day by day with his comeback. Elvis and his contract remain nearly untradeable and he’s such a strong figure in the clubhouse, it’s doubtful the Rangers would even try to move him anytime soon.

This move is about Jurickson and improving his stock (which right now is pennies on the dollar). If the Rangers can build him back up into a fraction of what he once appeared to be, only then will they be willing to trade.

"“I’m not saying he never gets traded, Daniels said. “You never know how these things go, but there’s time for that. We just felt like the extra rest this winter… let him have a normal throwing program, starting in January. Come in and be a normal player for us in spring training.”"

Next: Patience Will Be Needed