Prior to the 2014 MLB season the Texas Rangers had no idea they would be the worst team in the American League or that they would be looking to rebuild. And now, according to a source, ace Yu Darvish, third baseman Adrian Beltre, and outfielder Shin-Soo Choo have cleared waivers.
Shortstop Elvis Andrus also cleared waivers and left-handed reliever Neal Cotts is also in the process of doing so. Outfielder Alex Rios was the first Ranger player to do so about two weeks ago, but after generating much interest prior to the trade deadline, he has received barely any since being eligible for an August trade. Any of the previously listed six players can be traded to any team in the MLB.
For starters, Choo is unlikely to be dealt because of the seven-year $130 million deal he signed in the offseason. He is owed at least $20 million per year from 2016-2020 and at 32 years old, it's a longshot that another team would even have a discussion about it. It would also be very surprising if Elvis Andrus were dealt, because, for a second-tier shortstop, many teams will not be willing to pay the remaining $133 million left on his contract through 2023. Andrus is batting .272 with 61 runs scored and 22 stolen bases.
Now, looking at Darvish, Beltre and Cotts, a number of MLB teams could use these players to help them for the remainder of this year and beyond. Darvish's trade value is a bit of an issue ever since he landed on the disabled list on August 10 with right elbow inflammation. If the Rangers want prospects, teams won't want to risk giving away talent only for Darvish to suffer a more serious elbow injury that could have him miss an extended period of time. But his contract is a bargain for a pitcher of his caliber; he's owed $31 million over the next three seasons and he's in the prime of his career right now. But the better question is - are the Rangers willing to trade him?
Beltre is having yet another solid year in Texas, batting .318 with 17 home runs and 64 RBIs, but the Rangers' willingness to trade him is also unknown. The Nationals inquired about Beltre prior to the trade deadline and the Rangers didn't even entertain the talks. The four-time All-Star is owed $34 million and has two years remaining on his contract.
The most likely scenario is that reliever Neal Cotts is traded once/if he clears waivers. A number of playoff contenders including the Dodgers, Yankees, Pirates, Royals, Blue Jays, and others are looking for bullpen help. The left-hander is 2-6 with a 3.54 ERA and 57 strikeouts in 53 1/3 innings pitched this season and would be a solid addition to bullpens around the league.
You can read more about the Rangers players clearing waivers in this ESPN article.
