Rangers lock up Elvis Andrus

The Texas Rangers have locked up 24 year old all-star shortstop Elvis Andrus today agreeing to an 8 year extension worth $120 million according to sources. AP Photo/Tony Dejak

Andrus's extension won't kick in until the 2015 season as he  will make $4.8 million this year and a solid $6.48 million next year. The extension also gives Andrus the option of opting out after four years and it does include a vesting option for a ninth season. The Rangers have now locked down three of their four infielders (Ian Kinsler and Adrian Beltre; both under team control through 2016).

The extension also gives a little bit of wonder as what will happen with MLB Top prospect Jurkinson Profar.  Now since Andrus will be locked up until the 2019 season if he decides to opt out of the contract after four years and 2024 if the vesting option for the ninth season is used. They also have Ian Kinsler locked up for another three.

Profar for Price?
Getty Images

 Now, the Rangers could do a few things with this situation, one is to trade Jurkinson Profar. Two names that have been circulating throughout baseball is Tampa Bay pitcher David Price or Giancarlo Stanton.  Both would make sense for the Rangers as their outfield has diminished with the loss of Josh Hamilton. Stanton would thrive in Texas hitting in one of the more friendly hitter ballparks. Adding Price to their rotation would make their rotation the best in baseball that already consists of Matt Harriston, Yu Darvish, Alexi Ogando, and Derek Holland. Profar is a very valuable asset for the Rangers, so if they do trade him it will be a
blockbuster trade. If he will be traded it will be either at the Trade Deadline or during offseason. Chances of this happening 20%.

Here's another option for the Rangers, keep Profar and trade Ian Kinsler moving Profar to 2nd. Accept there is one problem with trading Ian Kinsler, will they trade him after making a big financial commitment to
him last year (5 years $75m) to make him a big member of the Rangers core. Kinsler is considered one of the top 2nd baseman in the league which makes him a valuable asset for the Rangers but he is already 30 and his extension will keep him through 2018 which will make him 35. Now, that doesn't seem that bad right? Here's the problem, not many teams will want to take all of his contract, now it's not that big of a contract compared to others when a team won't want to take all of a contact but the Rangers will need to eat a good 7-13 million worth of his contract. Chances of this happening 30% .

Trade Kinsler or move him to another postion?
Is a big question facing the Rangers (getty images)

Another possibilty would be a simple one, move Kinsler to the outfield or first base and put Profar at second base. This option does not need much explaining as it is a pretty simple concept to grasp, move Kinsler to another position to make room for Profar. The outfield is more likely for Kinsler inless Rangers first baseman Mitch Moreland struggles throughout the year. Note that Moreland has rasied his average over the last three seasons but only played in 114 games last year compared to his 134 games in 201. He hit .275 and .259 in those respected seasons. This option will also allow one of the best SS-2B duos ever to take place if Profar gets moved to 2B. Chances of this happening 80%.