Texas Rangers Trade Rumors: Dealing Mike Minor should depend on this

The Texas Rangers may be moving starting pitcher, Mike Minor, off to Philadelphia, but it needs to depend on this…

Reports surfaced last weekend the Philadelphia Phillies might be interested in dealing for the Texas Rangers only returning starter, Mike Minor. Minor, entering year two of a team friendly 3-year deal, would provide the Phillies a much needed left-handed arm.

Philadelphia is thin in southpaw talent so they’ve been reportedly searching the market for a while now. After losing out on options early, they’ve turned their attention to Minor. Not only are the talent and the contract attractive, but Minor’s shown the ability to succeed as a starter as well as reliever. Since it’s difficult to see exactly what nearly anyone’s pitching stable will look like by the time spring rolls around, Minor’s versatility makes him particularly attractive around the league

Some may wonder why the Texas Rangers, who are desperate for starting pitching already, is even looking to trade this extremely competent and affordable option. Other may be wondering the complete opposite – with nothing to really play for, why aren’t the Rangers trading everyone they have for anything they can get.

At the end of the day both sides of this coin are partially right. Even with Lance Lynn and the Tommy John Posse (patent pending), the Texas Rangers still need starting pitching. Preferably reliable and affordable. But at the same token, since the postseason is unlikely this year or next, restocking the system for a couple years down the road must be the top priority this year.

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It’s all about compensation

Around Philadelphia, many are projecting a mid-level pitcher or two as acceptable compensation for someone like Minor. Around these parts the expected compensation seems to be much higher. Jeff Wilson at the Star Telegram points out pitchers Adonis Medina (No. 96 in MLB’s Top 100) or Enyel De Santos (No. 97 in the top 100) as a possible return for Minor.

If a mid-level prospect or two (or three )is all that’s on the table, the Texas Rangers would be wise to hold on. The market is thin and the price has nowhere to go but up. Even if they get stuck holding the bag, Minor’s a great player to have this season.

But if the North Texas media is correct, and a top prospect is really an option, then this is a deal that needs to be inked. Again, the ultimate goal is down the road – not this season.

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We shouldn’t expect Jon Daniels to issue a firesale and give away valuable pieces for anything he can get. We should expect him to play this slow and safe, maximizing return. The Texas Rangers only have a handful of attractive pieces, they need to get the most they can from those or this rebuilding project may drag on even further.

• Published on 12/18/2018 at 23:01 PM
• Last updated at 12/18/2018 at 13:00 PM